Be smart to avoid storms
LOOMING king tides and expected heavy storms next week have prompted warnings for Cairns residents to be storm smart.
On a tour of Far Northern fire stations, Queensland Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Leach said Cairns and Far Northern fire fighters were prepared for the storm season.
“The QFES is well prepared, all the training is in place,” Comm Leach said.
He urged motorists to take care and drive to conditions.
“If you are on the road, please take care,” he said.
“If you are out on the road and come across flooded roadways, stop and back it up.”
Cairns fire fighters also expect to respond to incidents in which interstate and overseas visitors are caught in rapidly changing water levels.
State Emergency Services area controller Sean McGuinness said recent rain events did not fall during king tide periods and major flooding was avoided.
He said if residents prepared their properties ahead of storm events then SES resources could be used more efficiently.
“Our priorities are for people that can’t help themselves,” Mr McGuinness said.
“We are helping them to make sure they can protect their properties.”
Cairns Regional Council will this weekend have sandbags available for filling and pick-up from transfer stations at Portsmith, Smithfield and Gordonvale.
Portsmith will be have sand bags available from 8.30am to 5.15pm on Saturday and Sunday, Smithfield from 7am to 5.15pm on Saturday and 9am to 5.15pm on Sunday, and Gordonvale from 8.30am to 5.15pm both days.