We can’t ignore the message to get ready

NORTH Queenslanders relish the moment the rain falls from the sky – the grass is going to be green and a few dollars can be saved on the bill. But the wet season also comes with responsibility.

Townsville City Council and emergency services often talk about the importance of getting prepared for the cyclone season by trimming trees, clearing gutters and getting a disaster kit ready.

While the message might get a bit frustrating after a while, it’s still important. The SES has told the Townsville Bulletin that some of their calls for flooding through the roof is actually caused by gutters not being clear and the water having nowhere to go, but into the roof cavity.

If this was to happen multiple times, it could cause significant damage to your home – all because the gutters were not cleaned. In addition to this, the reminder comes because the flooding is preventable.

If you clear your gutters and follow the advice of the experts, you are less likely to need their help during wild weather and therefore, the SES and other emergency services have time to deal with threats to life, and damage to properties.

This extends to driving through flood waters. Everyone knows they are not meant to do it, but every time it floods, people need to be rescued after they drive into rising waters.

North Queenslanders are all in it together in the wet season – residents need to do what they can to ensure the people who need help in a disaster, get it. So, if it is flooded, forget it.

And clean your gutters.