Be Storm Ready

PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCY PLAN

  • Research hazards and disaster management arrangements in your community.
  • Discuss possible scenarios and responses with your household.
  • Record details on your Emergency Plan.
  • Ensure everyone is prepared.

If You Are Going Away:

  • Empty, clean and unplug refrigerators and freezers and leave their doors open.
  • Switch off and unplug all non-essential electrical equipment.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT AND AN EVACUATION KIT

Recommended Items Include:

  • Food and water for at least 3 days (urban), and 2 weeks (rural).
  • Light (battery or wind up torch).
  • Battery powered or wind up radio
  • Multiple changes of clothes for everyone, stored in watertight plastic bags.
  • Tools and supplies including fuel.
  • Spare house and car keys.
  • Pillows, sleeping bags and blankets.
  • Valuables, photos (prints, compact discs, USB, data cards) and mementos in waterproof plastic bags.
  • Essential medications and repeat prescriptions.
  • Extra toiletry and sanitary supplies.
  • Books and games for children.
  • Extra baby food, formula and nappies (if required).
  • Pet food, water and medications and registration and microchip details.
  • Extra money as ATM's may not be working.
  • Fully charged mobile phone, spare battery and charger.
  • Important documents such as Insurance papers for house, contents and car.
  • Inventory of household goods.
  • Wills, life Insurance, house deeds and banking documents, passports, Birth certificates, Medicare cards.

Prepare Your Home

  • Check the condition of your roof, repair loose tiles, eaves and roof screws.
  • Keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain away quickly.
  • Trim trees and overhanging branches close to the house to prevent damage to your roof due to trees falling.
  • Check and fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations and loose fittings.
  • Keep loose items around your property and garden secure to minimise damage in storms.
  • Identify the strongest room in the house, in case you need to shelter in place during a severe storm.
  • Be prepared to disconnect electrical appliances and all external television and radio ariels when warnings are issued for severe storms and floods.
  • Empty and raise items such as freezers, refrigerators and washing machines when a warning is issued.
  • Keep car fully fuelled as bowsers may not work if there is no power.
  • Keep generators fully fuelled and reserves available.

Other Considerations

  • Tune in your battery-powered radio to your local ABC radio station or your local commercial radio station to listen for weather and warning updates.
  • Turn your television on to your local station to watch and listen for warning updates.
  • Log on to the Bureau of Meteorology bom.gov.au for weather warnings.
  • Log on to the Qld Disaster Management Services www.disaster.qld.gov.au for information on disaster events
  • Log onto Council's Web Site for current local information www.flinders.qld.gov.au
  • Log on to the North West QLD Regional Organisation of Council's www.getreadynwq.com.au for information on disaster events
  • Act quickly on the advice provided.

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