Sunshine Coast residents are being urged to brace for a summer of wild weather.
A La Niña weather system is set to return to the region, bringing an increased chance of above average rainfall to the region during the next few months.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, who is the chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, said disasters can strike quickly.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when, so that’s why it’s important to prepare now so you are best placed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us,” he said via a press release, during Get Ready Queensland Week (October 10-16).
“Though council and the LDMG continue preparations all year round, each of us has a role to play and being prepared is everyone’s responsibility.”
Mayor Jamieson said there were a few simple steps people could take to help safeguard their family and home.
- Step one: Understand your risk.
- Step two: Prepare a household emergency plan.
- Step three: Pack an emergency kit.
“An emergency kit should have enough supplies to last three days in case your home loses access to power, water and gas or you become cut off from the supermarket or pharmacy,” he said.
“It should be kept in a strong waterproof storage container and contain items like a first aid kit, important medication, a torch, spare batteries, hand sanitiser, enough food and water for three days and a battery powered radio.
“For a full list, check out the Get Ready Queensland website.”
“I encourage everyone to save a copy of the list and stock up on essentials next time you’re grocery shopping.”
“Parts of the Sunshine Coast are still recovering from the heavy rain that hit the region between February and May this year, which caused flooding, fallen trees and major landslips.
“The largest total in our region was in Maleny with Council recording 2200mm of rain during that period.
“Keep safe on our roads and remember – if it’s flooded, forget it.”
For more information on the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency, visit Council’s Disaster Hub.
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