North Burnett residents urged to ‘Be Prepared’
North Burnett Regional Council Local Disaster Management Committee is working with District and State Disaster Management Committees to keep a watching brief for our area from Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
“Our thoughts are currently with our Northern neighbours and we wish them well through the next 24 – 48 hours. After Cyclone Debbie crosses the coast we will have a better indication of how she will track inland and therefore be able to issue further advice to the public.
In the meantime, please use the next couple of days to prepare yourself for possible heavy rain and flooding. It’s much better to be prepared than not to be. We are in constant contact with both our State and Regional Disaster coordinators and together we hope for some lovely falls on the North Burnett, where it is needed however, rest assured, we are also prepared for any other situation which may arise.” Mayor Chambers said this morning.
With the current rain forecast and existing wet weather conditions, Mayor Rachel Chambers is urging residents to take the time to prepare for emergencies by:
- Preparing your Emergency Plan
- Preparing your Emergency Kit
- Preparing your home
- Tuning into Warnings
- Re-stock your pantry
- Ensure your prescriptions are filled
- Ensure adequate supplies of fuel, gas and medication
Further information on being disaster prepared is available from the Queensland Government Disaster Management website www.disaster.qld.gov.au/getready/
Useful Websites and contacts:
- Qld Alert is a Facebook Page by Qld Police provides a ‘dashboard’ for emergency services info in Qld: www.qldalert.com
- Weather & Warnings: www.bom.gov.au
- Qld Disaster Management Services: www.disaster.qld.gov.au
- Dept of Transport & Main Roads – road closures: phone 131 940 or www.131940.qld.gov.au
- State Emergency Service (SES) 132 500
Residents are urged to take road closures seriously and not to attempt to cross flooded roads -even a small amount of water is enough to sweep a large vehicle off the road. Flood waters are deadly and run faster and often deeper than most people realise. They also carry debris such as fallen trees which can be very dangerous and cause significant injuries if they hit someone. Emergency Management Queensland advises people should avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
In a life-threatening emergency, which includes vehicles trapped in floodwater people are urged to call triple zero (000) immediately.
For storm and flood related assistance contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.
Don’t forget, “If it’s flooded, forget it!”
For further emergency information and updates, residents are requested to tune into ABC radio, check Council’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/North.Burnett.Regional.Council or website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au.
For further information, please contact Mayor Rachel Chambers on 0458 696 272.