Get Ready for storms and bushfires on the Fraser Coast

Fraser Coast residents are being urged to prepare for storms and bushfires and have a plan to keep their family, home and pets safe.

Mayor George Seymour, who is also the Local Disaster Management Group chair, said the next few months were expected to be hot and dry, with bushfires already occurring and the chances of severe storms increasing as the temperatures rise.

“We’re encouraging residents to think about the big picture and what they would do if a natural disaster struck,” he said.

“There are a number of steps that can be taken now including having an emergency plan, packing an emergency kit, cleaning up around your yard, making sure your insurance is up to date, and signing up for Disaster Dashboard notifications.”

Cr Seymour said an emergency kit should have the supplies you need for several days in case you lose power and water, and should have enough for every family member, including your pets.

“It’s important to have an emergency plan and discuss what you would do, including where you would go if you needed to evacuate, how you would care for pets and livestock, and whether you or any of your family members have medical conditions or special needs to consider,” he said.

“Having a plan means everyone in your household knows what to do when severe weather warnings are issued. It’s also good to get to know your neighbours and consider people in your neighbourhood who may need your help.”

Cr Seymour said October was a good time to clean up around your home and secure or get rid of any items that could become a hazard during a storm.

“Make sure your gutters and downpipes are clear so water can drain away quickly, keep your roof in good condition and check it regularly, and trim any overhanging trees and branches,” he said.

“Secure, weigh down or put away any loose items around the house, yard or balcony. Items such as potted plants, outdoor furniture, garbage bins and trampolines can all become dangerous missiles.

“There are many items that can be disposed of for free at Council waste facilities, such as unwanted or damaged play equipment under scrap metal, trees and branches under green waste, outdoor structures under timber/green waste or scrap metal, and outdoor furniture under reusable items.

“We encourage residents to visit our website for all the details about what can be disposed of for free and how to sort your load - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/storm-season-clean-up”

Cr Seymour said residents should also ensure their home, contents and vehicle insurance was up to date and provided suitable coverage, and that they knew where to go to stay informed during disaster season.

“Council’s Disaster Dashboard - https://disaster.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/ - is your one-stop shop for information about emergencies and disasters, with everything from road closures to flood cameras as well as fire danger ratings and links to weather warnings,” he said.

“You can opt-in for email and SMS notifications through the Disaster Dashboard, and you can even change the language setting.

“Queensland is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live, work and play, but we are also prone to natural disasters and severe weather.

“That’s why it is so important to understand the big picture of what can happen when a natural disaster hits and what you can do to protect what’s most important to you.”

Download the Dangerous Weather emergency plan and checklist at https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/get-prepared/big-picture or the Fraser Coast Emergency Guide at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/disaster-management

Additional sources of information during a natural disaster and severe weather include:

• Listen to your local ABC radio station for updates;
• For power outage information, visit the Ergon website;
• For traffic and road closure information, visit the QLD Traffic website;
• For weather information, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website; 
• For emergency help in storms and floods, including sandbag requests, call SES 132 500.