Get ready for the storm and cyclone season

by the Cooloola Coast Community Local Disaster Management Support Group

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted wetter than average conditions this year due to the formation of La Niña in the tropical Pacific. Now is the time to prepare your household and community to protect what matters most.

Step One – Make a plan

The best way to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in an emergency is by keeping a Household Emergency Plan.

Sit down with your family and make a list of important contacts like family and friends who live out of town, doctors, insurance providers, utility providers; emergency meeting places, and details on where you’d stay if you needed to evacuate quickly.

Step Two – Pack supplies

Keep a waterproof kit full of emergency supplies you’d need to last at least three days at home if you were isolated due to flooding.

Include plenty of non-perishable food and water; a torch; battery-powered radio, toiletries including tissues and hand sanitiser; face masks; disinfectant wipes; spare batteries, gas cooker, medication, and board games to help pass the time.

Step Three: Check your insurance

Both renters and homeowners should be covered for disasters and should be familiar with their coverage details.

Make sure your home and contents insurance cover is up-to-date and provides adequate cover for your unique needs. Call your insurer if you have any questions about your policy.

Get Ready Queensland provides a year-round program helping all Queenslanders prepare for natural disasters – getready.qld.gov.au

For local disaster management information visit Council’s Disaster Dashboard – disaster.gympie.qld.gov.au

Gympie Regional Council continues to monitor the Covid-19 situation and will assess any potential impacts on Council services and events. Covid-19 updates and information can be found on Council’s website: gympie.qld.gov.au and the Queensland Health website: health.qld.gov.au

The Cooloola Community Local Disaster Management Support Group (CCLDMSG) meets on the first Tuesday of the month, March, June, September and December.

Would you like to know more? Our next meeting is on Tuesday March 2 at the Cooloola Cove Veterans and Community Hall, starting 9.30am.  All welcome or contact Terry Steele on 0439862264.