It’s Get Ready Queensland Week and Bundaberg residents are being encouraged to prepare for the impacts of natural disasters, particularly bushfires.
Run from 9 – 15 October the annual campaign aims to help residents get ready for natural disasters and extreme weather with the following key messages:
- understand their risk
- prepare a household emergency plan
- pack an emergency kit
After recently declaring the El Nino weather pattern the Bureau of Meteorology has released this year’s Severe Weather Outlook for Queensland.
Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson Laura Boekel said this weather pattern had the potential to increase the chances of fire but it was important to be prepare for all weather events.
“Even though El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole have been declared and are likely to increase the chance of heatwaves and fire dangers over the coming months, Queensland is also likely to experience severe thunderstorms that can bring damaging winds, rain and hail,” Ms Boekel said.
“Severe weather is unpredictable and can happen at any time of the year in Queensland so it's important to stay up to date with the latest forecast and warnings on the Bureau's website or the BOM Weather app.”
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Jack Dempsey said there had already been several significant fires in the Bundaberg Region and Get Ready Queensland Week was a reminder to be prepared.
“Our community has seen a number of fires already this season and Get Ready Queensland Week comes as timely reminder on how we can all play our part to be prepared,” he said.
“The local Disaster Dashboard provides the community with essential information during severe weather events and links to other emergency service information sources including Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
“Community members can sign up to receive emergency alerts, weather warnings and river height alerts straight to their email or phone through the Dashboard.
“Also having an emergency kit on hand in case of a disaster is essential when it comes to being prepared.
“Grabbing a few extra items, such as long-life food, drinking water and batteries, when you’re next at the supermarket is the perfect way to start your kit.”
The Get Ready Queensland program is managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, the state’s lead agency for disaster resilience and recovery, and is sponsored by Suncorp with support from retail partner IGA.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Get Ready Queensland program was a year-round, all-hazards, resilience building initiative to help communities prepare for natural disasters.
“Queenslanders know just how bad natural disasters can be, so it is absolutely vital that everyone acts now, to get ready,” she said.
“We know that nearly half of all Queenslanders are already preparing for bad weather, but we want to see that number grow.
“I’m really proud of the QRA team this year for getting out and reminding Queenslanders what they can do around the house to get ready, including making sure you have the right pantry and home essentials, should disaster strike.”
To find more information on how to be prepared click here.
To register for alerts and view current warnings, visit the Disaster Dashboard here.
