Sunshine Coast residents are being urged to be ensure they are prepared for natural disasters.
Mayor Mark Jamieson encouraged all residents to be on guard for storms, floods, bushfires and other events.
“The message is clear. We know that disaster can strike anytime, anywhere and it’s not a matter of if, but when,” he said.
“We all have a role to play and being prepared is everyone’s responsibility.”
Year 5 students at St Joseph’s Primary School Nambour combined to spread the message, during Get Ready Week (October 10-16).
They created a rap, to be played on Channel 7, MixFm and council’s social media channels during October.
“The Get Ready rap reminds us in an engaging way, of both the many different types of disasters and the importance of having a plan,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“It also prompts us to make sure we know our neighbours and to encourage them to get disaster ready.”
Teacher Brett Strathearn said the rap would remind residents to be prepared.
“I have no doubt this project has started many important conversations with their friends and family, spreading the preparedness message even further.”
“It shows even our youngest community members can play a significant role in getting ready for the next big storm, bushfire, flood or other disaster.”
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said long-time Queenslanders can help newcomers.
“We know a lot of people have moved from interstate this year … we want them to be aware that in Queensland, disaster can strike anywhere and at any time.”
“Research shows 57 per cent of Queenslanders have an emergency plan, which is up from around 18 percent eight years ago, but there is plenty of room for improvement.
“Just last season alone, Queensland was hit by 11 natural disaster events across 50 local government areas including a hailstorm, bushfires, floods and cyclones.
“It’s not a matter of if but when severe weather strikes somewhere in Queensland and that’s exactly why we all need to be prepared.
“Get Ready Queensland Week is the ideal time to prepare ourselves and our households for the upcoming storm and cyclone season.”
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“Get Ready Queensland Week is about raising awareness to start preparing your families, pets, households and even your neighbours for severe weather and the Get Ready Queensland website has all the information to guide you.”
Get Ready Queensland ambassador and rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston said Queenslanders can get ready in three simple steps.
“All we need to do is prepare an emergency plan, pack an emergency kit and make sure our insurance is up to date,” he said.
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Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Laura Boekel said Queenslanders should keep up to date with the latest warnings and forecasts on the Bureau’s website and the BOM Weather smartphone app.
“The 2021-2022 Severe Weather Outlook … indicates that climate drivers including the current La Niña Watch, warm waters in the north, the sea surface temperature pattern across the tropical Pacific Ocean, along with a negative Indian Ocean Dipole, point towards more rainfall and an average to slightly above average cyclone season.”
“There are on average four cyclones every season in the Eastern cyclone zone of Australia – but all Queenslanders must remember that it takes just one to cause devastation from damaging winds, heavy rainfall and tidal surges.
“Localised major flooding can occur in any northern wet season, but in 2021-22, there is an increased risk of widespread and prolonged riverine flooding across eastern and northern Queensland.
“While long-running large bushfires are less likely than during dry years such as 2019-20, continuing wet conditions during spring may further increase grass growth, which could increase fire danger as it dries during summer.”
Disaster preparation tips
What to include in your Emergency Kit
If you are unable to leave your home for an extended period, your emergency kit will equip your household for up to three days of isolation.
• Fresh water
• Non-perishable food
• First aid kit
• Portable radio and torch with spare batteries
• Sturdy gloves
• Essential medication and prescriptions
• Mobile phone, charger and a power bank
• Important documents in sealed bags
• Cash
• Baby formula and nappies
• Toiletries.
What to include in your Evacuation Kit
An evacuation kit is for times during an emergency where it becomes unsafe for your household to stay at home and should contain only essential items for each household member that they can easily and quickly ‘grab and go’.
• Blanket
• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Warm clothes
• Kid’s toys/entertainment
• Valuables and mementos
• Essential medication and prescriptions
• Mobile phone, charger and a power bank
• Important documents and cash
• Disinfectant wipes
• Baby formula and nappies
• Toiletries including tissues, hand sanitiser and face masks.
For more information visit getready.qld.gov.au and Sunshine Coast Council’s award-winning Disaster Hub website disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au, to find the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency.
You can also sign up to the Sunshine Coast Alert notification service by downloading the Sunshine Coast Council app on your smart device.
