Prepare Today, Be Ready Tomorrow: Get Ready Queensland Week

Next week is Get Ready Queensland Week and Lockyer Valley Regional Council is encouraging residents to prepare today to be ready for tomorrow.

Running from 5 – 11 October, the initiative is all about ensuring residents are prepared for natural hazards and emergencies – before they happen.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said it was an important reminder to residents to ensure they were equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively to unexpected weather and possible emergencies.

“Our region is vulnerable to a range of natural hazards, including floods, storms, and bushfires.

“As the region heads into the higher-risk storm and bushfire season, we’re driving home the message that by taking a few simple steps now, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere.

“Research shows that communities who are prepared recover faster and experience less disruption.

“This Get Ready Queensland Week, let’s set aside some time to have those important conversations, make our plans, and be prepared and work together to protect what matters – our families, homes, pets and livelihoods.

"We’re encouraging all households to ensure their emergency kit is well stocked, and to have a well-established evacuation plan.

“Your plan needs to consider all likely natural disasters for your area, including storms, floods, bushfires and heatwaves, and it’s also important to consider how those different events might affect your pet’s health and safety, your evacuation routes and end destinations.

“Lastly, ensure you have access to vital emergency supplies for at least five days, such as non-perishable food and water; your medications; a torch; battery powered radio; toiletries; and the necessary equipment to cook food if you lose power.

“Given the heightened bushfire risks this season, we are also urging residents to clear gutters and reduce fuel loads close to property or sheds.

“Staying informed about local road conditions during a significant weather event is also important and this is why Council is encouraging all residents to regularly check in with Council’s Disaster Dashboard and follow Council on Facebook,” Mayor Milligan said.

Those attending Library Story Time during Get Ready Week will learn about storms when they’re read the ‘Birdie and the Storm’ book, while there will also be giveaways for the children of the colouring tote bag and Birdie Activity Book. Council’s building lights will also be activated in maroon to raise awareness of Get Ready Week.

Council’s flood monitoring cameras, which provide a view of some creek and waterway conditions, can be accessed from Council’s Disaster Dashboard via https://disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au/.

To get severe weather warnings sent straight to your phone, download the Bureau of Metereology’s free BOM Weather App.

For more information on how to Get Ready visit getready.qld.gov.au.