Residents encouraged to get ready as wet season looms
Burdekin locals are being encouraged to prepare their emergency plans and emergency and evacuation kits in the coming weeks.
In the lead up to the festive period, it is important to remind all residents to ‘get ready’ for the wet season.
Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Mayor Lyn Mclaughlin said disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.
“As we lead into our wet season, I want to encourage all residents to update their emergency plan and be prepared for the natural disasters we may face in North Queensland,” Cr Mclaughlin said.
“Our region can experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, the wet season. It is important all residents have updated their emergency and evacuation kits and have a way to secure any loose objects in their yard that may pose a risk to surrounding homes in the event of high winds.”
“There is still time for people to prepare their property, including trimming tree branches, clearing out gutters and downpipes, repairing existing damage to your roof, and of course, having an emergency kit that will supply each member of the
“Emergency kits should be stocked with essential medications, important documents, toiletries, phone chargers, a torch, spare aid kit, drinking water and nonperishable foods.
“Council has recently updated the Burdekin Emergency Action Guide and I would like to encourage residents to read through it online or visit the Council Chambers to collect a copy.”
Cr Mclaughlin urges residents to prepare their properties for the wet season by taking advantage of Council’s Free Dump Day being held on Sunday 27 November at all local Transfer Stations and Kirknie remaining waste from around their home.
Queensland State Emergency Services (SES) Local Controller for Burdekin Mr John Winn said it was imperative that residents prepared themselves and their properties for severe weather.
Mr Winn said the SES is ready to respond to calls for assistance, with units across the state regularly updating their running training scenarios.
“During severe weather events, the SES can be deployed to impacted to provide temporary emergency assistance, such as damage to houses and fallen trees blocking access.
“It’s a good idea for all residents to save the phone number for the SES in case assistance.”
For SES assistance, call 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
For more information on disaster preparedness including a copy of the Burdekin Emergency Action Guide visit disaster. burdekin.qld.gov.au.