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P R E P A R E D
Disaster Hub
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Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Hub website has all the information you need to be prepared and stay up-to-date with important information when severe weather and disaster events occur. This online platform provides comprehensive, centralised and real-time information for the community, media and external agencies to access before, during and after disaster events. It is also used by council’s Disaster Management team and external emergency agencies to gather critical intelligence to help make decisions during disasters. For life-threatening emergencies call 000. Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Hub is recognised nationally as a contemporary and innovative disaster management tool.
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Closed Roads & Accidents
Unplanned Power Outages
Warnings
Details on road closures and current traffic accidents as reported by Sunshine Coast Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Current unplanned and emergency power outages as provided by Energex.
A list of current warnings for the region provided by both council and the Bureau of Meteorology.
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Useful Contacts
Being Prepared
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Council Website
Quick links to organisations you may need.
Find out what to do before, during and after a disaster or emergency.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and media releases from council.
Regular councl services are still available on council’s corporate website.
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Being Prepared
News Centre
Council Website
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Evacuation Centres
Planned Power Outages
The SCC App provides one touch access to a diverse range of council services direct from your smartphone.
The Sunshine Coast Airport website has up-to-date information on flight delays during an emergency.
Council has identified a number of evacuation centres for potential use in the case of an emergency or disaster.
Current scheduled power outages as provided by Energex.
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Airport website
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93114 09/19.
List
disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7272
MAYOR MARK jAMIESON
Chair Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group
AS the recent Sunshine Coast bushfire emergency reminded us, disasters can strike at anytime and anywhere. October 13 - 19 is Get Ready Queensland Week 2019 and Sunshine Coast Council is urging residents to check their ‘WHAT-IF’ plan and ensure they are prepared for extreme weather events. Having a ‘WHAT-IF’ plan could be the difference between staying safe or putting yourself and your loved ones in danger. Create your plan by considering potential disaster risks in your local area, preparing your household and checking on your neighbours. We know that communities which are well prepared and aware before a disaster occurs, are more resilient and able to recover faster. I encourage you and your household to read this guide and keep it handy in case of a disaster or emergency event. Our Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group has excellent plans in place - but we all have a role to play. Being prepared is everyone’s responsibility. For more information please visit council’s award-winning Disaster Hub website - disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au - to find the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency. You can also sign up to our Coast Alert notification service by downloading the Sunshine Coast Council app on your smart device. When it comes to disasters, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ and there’s no better time than now to get ready.
Storm Safety Guide is published in Yandina, 54 Pioneer Road. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to the magazine undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above-mentioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.
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When it comes to disasters, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’
CONTENTS
Photo: john McCutcheon
ARE YOU STORM READY? ⁄4 KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS ⁄ 6 NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW⁄ 6 PROCEDURES IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF EMERGENCIES ⁄ 7 EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION KIT CHECKLIST ⁄ 8 PREPARE YOUR PETS ⁄ 9
CAR SAFETY ⁄ 10 PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS ⁄ 11 RURAL FIRE SERVICE PROFILE⁄ 12-13 STORM SAFETY APPS ⁄ 14 DO’S AND DON’TS AFTER A STORM ⁄ 14 EMERGENCY CONTACTS ⁄ 15
Volunteer with the SES
Are you committed to attending regular training and activating during events?
Are you active, adventurous, enthusiastic and willing to give back to your community?
93114 09/19.
By joining the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) you will make a life changing commitment through actively contributing during disasters and emergencies locally, statewide and nationally. For more information on joining your local Sunshine Coast SES please visit www.ses.qld.gov.au
disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7272 Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
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ARE you stoRm READy? tips to prepare for a storm
Storm season is upon us, and while we may have become accustomed to powerful and unpredictable storms as a part of the Queensland way of life, it’s vital to be prepared. Here’s a few tips during the storm season to help minimise the damage on your home and keep your family safe. ¾ Trim trees and branches close to the house, but call a professional tree trimmer if they’re near powerlines. ¾ Secure loose items in your backyard.
¾ Stock up on food, water and medicine for your pets. TuNE iNTO warNiNgS When a severe weather warning or storm alert has been issued for the Sunshine Coast, ensure you gain as much information as possible to help you prepare and protect your household and home.
surge or flood threaten your home. ¾ Ensure you know how to safely turn off your power, water and gas. ¾ Check your emergency kit is up-to-date with water containers, a barbecue or another gas or coal cooking appliance. ¾ Make sure your pet’s registration and tags are current.
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Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
tarpaulins or blankets.
¾ Turn off and unplug electrical items and turn off power,
(ABC 90.3 FM SUNSHINE COAST and 95.3 FM GYMPIE) Log on
¾ Identify a safe place to evacuate to should a storm
¾ Park vehicles under cover or protect with secured
¾ To the local radio and TV station for updates.
¾ To the Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Hub website:
¾ Identify the safest room in the house to shelter during a storm.
¾ Tape glass on exposed windows and secure all doors.
¾ Ensure your car has a full tank of fuel.
¾ Check your roof regularly to ensure it’s in good condition.
¾ Get your insurance up-to-date and check your policy inclusions.
¾ Secure outdoor furniture and gardening items.
Tune in
¾ Clear gutters, downpipes and drains.
¾ Make sure all shades, sails and awnings are fitted properly.
Pre-storm checklist:
disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au ¾ To reliable social media sources managed by council or emergency services. Listen out ¾ For the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) – this is the siren used at the beginning of storm warning announcements on radio and TV. ¾ For Emergency Alert messages on your landline and mobile phone. ¾ For warning sirens and announcements made by emergency services. ¾ For emergency services personnel who may knock on your door.
water and gas if instructed. ¾ Ensure mobile phone batteries are fully charged. ¾ Stay indoors as the storm approaches and ensure pets/farm animals are secured safely under shelter. ¾ Store your important documents, medical prescriptions and valuables in a waterproof container in a secure location like your car boot. ¾ Ensure that every household member knows about warnings and advice. Post-storm checklist: ¾ Check on neighbours and friends who may need special assistance. ¾ Don’t go exploring. ¾ Act quickly on advice given by emergency services.
CoastAlert Get emergency alerts straight to your phone! When severe weather is approaching, flood waters are starting to rise or there’s another type of local disaster, Sunshine Coast Council knows you want to get important alerts as quickly as possible. That’s why we have made it even easier for you to get the information you need, straight to your phone or tablet, with the free CoastAlert notification service. The notifications are linked to information on council’s award-winning Disaster Hub website.
from the AppStore or Google Play to receive free emergency alerts. Emergency notifications will be automatically sent to smartphones and other mobile devices when the app is installed.
disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7272
20 languages
Find a link to translated advice about preparing for severe weather events on Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast Council’s disaster preparedness initiatives are supported by Get Ready Queensland.
93114 09/19.
Simply download the SCC App
Get Ready fact sheets available in more than
HoW youR NEIGHBouRs CAN HELP WHEN DIsAstER stRIKEs
Knowing your neighbours can really help when your local area experiences flooding, storm damage, bushfires or any other type of emergency or disaster. Sunshine Coast Council disaster management co-ordinator Cathy Buck said council aimed to help connect people with their neighbours to help improve resilience. “Collective local knowledge and skills shared between groups of people will always be beneficial in helping to get issues sorted faster and easier,” Ms Buck said. “A neighbourhood working together to recover from a disaster event is an example of that – if you’re connected to your local community, you have more people to assist when needed. “Council and our partner emergency services agencies such as the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services provide a wide range of information about preparing for and responding to disasters. “If our businesses and residents are able to make those preparations and respond quickly themselves during and post an event, our region will be in good stead to recover quickly.
No BEttER tImE tHAN NoW to GEt disaster ready Are you and your household prepared for severe weather or other emergency events?
ahead of fire and storm seasons to improve their skills in responding to disasters,” Mr Jamieson said.
That’s the question Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with emergency services agencies, are urging residents to consider this Get Ready Queensland Week (October 13-19).
“Throughout the year, council’s disaster management team works with residents and businesses to help them prepare and spread the ‘Get Ready’ message.”
Local Disaster Management Group Chair and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the recent Sunshine Coast fires showed just how quickly and unexpectedly disaster could strike.
For more information please visit getready.qld.gov.au and council’s award-winning Disaster Hub website disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au - to find the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency.
“When it comes to disasters, there’s no room for complacency,” Mayor Jamieson said. “We want the community to ensure they have a ‘WHAT-IF’ plan, which involves considering potential disaster risks in your local area, preparing your household and checking on your neighbours.
“Having businesses, neighbourhoods and individuals that are prepared frees up emergency services’ resources for people who really cannot help themselves.”
“It’s also important to have an emergency kit containing essential items that will equip your household should severe weather or other events cause major disruptions to essential services.
How to connect with your neighbours:
“We all have a role to play and being prepared is everyone’s responsibility.
¾ Find one or two neighbours and plan a gathering for your neighbourhood, such as a barbecue or pot luck house party. ¾ Welcome a new neighbour when they move in. You may like to provide home-made treats or menus to your favourite takeaway places. ¾ Work on a community project with your neighbours. Visit the council’s website and search “At Home in My Neighbourhood” for more tips and to download a toolkit to help plan your neighbourhood gatherings and projects.
“Council has extensive disaster management plans in place, but we know that communities that are well prepared and aware before a disaster occurs, are more resilient and able to recover faster. “When it comes to disasters, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ - and there’s no better time than now to get ready.” Local Disaster Coordinator Tom Jamieson said the Sunshine Coast Disaster Management Group – which was activated during the recent fires – had an annual real-time training exercise to test these plans and processes. “This essential activity provides our personnel with a refresher
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Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
You can also sign up to our Coast Alert notification service by downloading the Sunshine Coast Council app on your smart device.
WHAt to Do IN DIFFERENt WEAtHER sCeNarios
Source: www.bom.gov.au and www.getready.qld.gov.au
wEaThEr EvENT
InsIde
OutsIde
In vehIcle
Flooding
■ Be prepared to move to higher ground if your home is in a low-lying area. ■ If possible, protect valuables and goods by moving household items to a higher place.
■ Seek shelter. ■ Avoid driving, walking, swimming or playing in floodwater. ■ Stay well away from fallen powerlines.
■ Do not drive through flooded areas.
Lightning
■ Before the storm hits unplug appliances (including radio, television and computers) and do not touch electrical items or telephones during the storm. ■ Close windows and doors and keep away from windows, doors and fireplaces. ■ Don’t go outside unless it is necessary.
■ Get inside, whether it be a vehicle or building, seek shelter. ■ If no shelter is available, crouch down, feet close together with head tucked down. ■ Avoid water and objects that conduct electricity such as golf clubs, umbrellas, metal fences etc. ■ Do not stay in open spaces or under tall objects such as trees, poles etc.
■ You should be safe in the car but may receive a shock if you step outside, so stay in vehicle with windows closed. ■ Do not drive, wait. Avoid touching metal parts of vehicle. ■ Don’t park under trees or other tall objects that may fall over in storm. ■ Be wary of downed power lines that may be touching your car.
Hail
■ Stay away from windows and glass doors. ■ Be alert for signs of high winds or cyclones (especially if hail is large) and follow cyclone precautions if necessary.
■ Seek cover, face away from wind and protect your head.
■ Keep head and face away from windows.
Cyclone/high winds
■ Stay inside with doors and windows shut. ■ Go to a small, interior room or stairwell on the lowest floor of the building (bathrooms are often best choice). ■ Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls. ■ If possible, crouch under heavy furniture. Protect your head with cushion or mattress.
■ Seek shelter in a building, not a car or caravan. ■ If no shelter is available, lie flat in low dry spot or under a low bridge but keep alert for flash floods. ■ Protect your head. ■ As a last resort, hang on tightly to the base of a shrub or small tree.
■ Do not stay in a vehicle or caravan and do not try to outdrive a cyclone. If possible, run to nearby solid shelter or building. ■ If no solid structure is nearby, lie flat in dry ditch. ■ Keep alert for flash floods and protect your head.
Bushfire
■ Close doors and windows, fill sinks with water and move outdoor furniture away from the house. ■ Turn off mains gas supply. ■ Develop a back-up plan, including where you will shelter if you have not left early and it is unsafe to leave. This is a dangerous situation and you must know where you will seek shelter from radiant heat. ■ Establish the location and route to your closest Place of Refuge or Neighbourhood Safer Place. NSPs are places of last resort. They may save your life but they do not guarantee safety. ■ If you are able, identify several exits to ensure you can leave safely if your planned route is blocked. ■ Make sure you are wearing non flammable protective clothing to shield you from deadly radiant heat. ■ Bring pets with you.
■ Fire agencies say defending your home requires at least two able-bodied, fit and determined adults. ■ Homes in an area with a Code Red or Catastrophic fire danger rating are difficult to defend, even if well prepared. ■ Ensure your home is prepared. Visit the Rural Fire Service website on Bushfire Safety www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/ BushFire_Safety ■ It is recommended that you have 10,000 litres of water for firefighting purposes as well as a firefighting pump and hoses. ■ Other equipment needed include a water sprayer, bucket, mop, shovel, torch and battery-powered radio. ■ Ensure you have adequate protective clothing as outlined in the survival kit. Radiant heat is the biggest killer in a fire.
■ Do no drive a vehicle through a bushfire, this is extremely dangerous. Take instructions from authorities and move away from the fires direction of travel. Do not drive into a fire zone for any reason unless authorities give you instruction to do so. eg. don’t attempt to take footage for social media. ■ For more information visit and download: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_ safety/documents/ PAs-travellersGuide.pdf
Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
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PREPARING youR EmERGENCy ENCy AND EvACuAtIoN kits For many emergencies you may be able to ‘shelter in place’. This could be at home or at work. If so, your ability to securely see out the emergency will be greatly increased if you have an emergency or evacuation kit. You need to take the time to prepare an emergency and evacuation kit well ahead of any impending disaster.
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EmERGENCy KIt CHECKLIst
EvACuAtIoN KIt CHECKLIst
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FreSh water For three dayS
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Blanket
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three dayS’ worth oF non-periShaBle Food and can opener
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Sleeping Bag
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FirSt aid kit
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caSh
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portaBle radio
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torch
kidS toyS/entertainMent Such aS a pack oF cardS, croSSwordS
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Sturdy gloVeS
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pillowS
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Spare BatterieS For radio and torch
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warM clotheS
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eSSential Medication
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ValuaBleS and MeMentoS
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MoBile phone and charger
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eSSential Medication
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iMportant docuMentS in Sealed BagS and caSh
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MoBile phone and charger
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iMportant docuMentS in Sealed BagS and caSh
¾ Keep your kit in a waterproof storage container and store in an easy-to-access location.
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BaBy ForMula and nappieS
¾ Check your kit every three months.
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iteMS For your pet - lead, pet carrier, pet Food, Medication
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toiletrieS
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BaBy ForMula and nappieS
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iteMS For your pet - lead, pet carrier, pet Food, Medication
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waterprooF BagS
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toiletrieS
Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
¾ Include items you will need for at least three days. There could be disruption to essential services such as power and water supplies. Also, include the equipment you’ll need to prepare meals with no power. ¾ Keep your kit in a waterproof storage container and store in an easy-to-access location. ¾ Check your kit every three months.
¾ Preparing an evacuation kit now can save you time and stress in the event of cyclone, storm tide, flood or tsunami. Being prepared in advance is very helpful if you live in a low-lying coastal area or an area prone to flooding.
PREPARE youR pets It is up to you to prepare for the safety and welfare of your pets in case of an emergency.
BE PREPARED
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include your animals in household emergency plans.
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properly identify your pets (e.g. name tags, microchip or band).
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ensure that you pets microchip is up to date with your current details.
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consider adding a secondary contact to your pet on their council registration.
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keep a list of emergency phone numbers on display.
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Be aware that some evacuation centres may not accept animals so plan alternatives accordingly.
ACT EARLy
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if moving animals to a safer place, do so early to avoid unnecessary risk.
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ensure there is access to plenty of food and water.
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if staying at home secure animals in good time so that they do not take flight.
PLEASE noTE In the event of a disaster, be sure to check and see if your pet is eligible to stay in an evacuation centre. Here’s what to do if it is not possible to take your pet with you to a temporary evacuation shelter: ¾ Secure animals inside before an
emergency event, so that they do not take flight or run away.
BE ConSiDERATE
¾ It may be possible for your pet to be
boarded in a safe environment away from the emergency zone.
¾ In most cases, trained assistance
if you have to leave pets behind:
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if possible, leave your pets indoors.
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place pets in separate rooms with small or preferably no windows (e.g. laundry, bathroom).
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provide adequate food and water in large heavy bowls.
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if left outside, do not tie them up.
dogs will be allowed to stay in emergency shelters with their owners. Those that are accepted may require proper identification and proof of vaccination.
ACT SAFE
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your safety, and that of your family, is paramount.
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don’t risk human life trying to find and protect pets.
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WHAt to Do WItH youR CAR BEFoRE AND DuRING A stoRm More than half of flood related deaths in Queensland are due to people driving through floodwater. It’s a tough fact to swallow, but despite the Queensland Government’s well-known “if it’s flooded, forget it” message, too many people continue to drive though dangerous floodwaters in the heat of the moment. Whatever the reason, don’t be tempted to drive though floodwater. Here’s how to be prepared to avoid the roads when flash flooding strikes. ¾ If you or a family member requires regular medication, ensure it is available in any location you may find yourself stuck (school, childcare center, workplace or your vehicle). ¾
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Think about the roads you regularly use, take into account the ones which generally flood and plan alternatives. If a storm warning is issued, plan work arrangements. Discuss options with your employer for a delayed start, early finish or working from home.
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Come to terms with the fact that your best and safest plan may be to avoid travel altogether. Sometimes your only option will be to wait it out.
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Consider alternative modes of transport, such as trains.
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Talk with schools and childcare centres plus friends and family about alternative after-care arrangements if you are unable to collect children on time.
REMEMBER...
iF iT’S FLooDED, FoRGET iT. iF THE RoAD iS CLoSED, iT’S CLoSED FoR GooD REASon ¾
driving into flood waters can result in loss of life.
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you can be fined for ignoring road closure signage.
GEnERAL CAR PREPARATionS ¾
ensure your car insurance is up-to-date and it covers your assets adequately.
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Store a spare supply of fuel and ensure you retain it safely in an appropriate container.
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have wide masking tape for car windows on standby.
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Store blankets or a hail cover in your car.
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keep bottled water and dry food/snacks in your car if you are caught away from home as well as a mobile phone charger.
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check your street and suburb for flood prone areas and be aware.
WHEn A SEvERE WEATHER WARninG iS iSSuED ¾
park vehicles undercover.
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if you don’t have undercover access for your vehicles, firmly secure blankets or quilts over them to minimise hail damage and park away from trees, power lines and waterways.
ADviCE FoR FLooD DAMAGED vEHiCLES ¾
if floodwater has gotten into the lower levels of your car doors or has entered the engine bay, do not attempt to start the engine until a mechanic has checked it.
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Before using the vehicle, drain, and replace all contaminated fuels, oils, and fluids to minimise damage.
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Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your car, including friends, family, school, work, neighbours and local emergency numbers.
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a buildup of debris under the vehicle can damage mechanical components or lead to clogging of cooling systems and overheating.
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Keep a mobile phone charger or powerbank to recharge your phone if you can’t access power in the car or at work.
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ensure the key safety components, such as steering and brakes, are functioning correctly after any water exposure.
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Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
GEt youR BusINEss ready What would you do if a storm damaged your livelihood? The best way for your business to cope with a natural disaster is to have a plan before it strikes. Here’s a check list to help prepare your business for storm season or to download your free guide and check list, please visit the Sunshine Coast Council Disaster Hub – disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
BE PREPARED
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compile a list of current emergency phone numbers, including the local police, fire, ambulance, State emergency Service, Sunshine coast council, gas and electricity companies and staff contacts.
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allocate tasks for each staff member to prepare the business for a storm.
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ensure enough stock is on hand to supply your business and customers in the critical period after the event.
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Store a battery-powered radio, torch and spare batteries.
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Store a generator (if applicable) and sufficient supply of fuel.
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Store a first aid kit and first aid manual.
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check your building is in a sound condition, especially the roof and eaves.
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trim overhanging branches, clear the property of any loose items that could become missiles during extreme winds.
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Store personal protective equipment – gloves, masks, disinfectant and safety glasses.
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Store waterproof bags for valuables.
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Back up your data and secure your backups in a safe place.
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identify what is required to recover your programs and data (laptops, pcs, servers) and take the necessary steps to allow this to happen if required.
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pack critical documentation (for example, insurance, financial, legal and identification documents) in a portable waterproof container.
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develop, test and regularly update your Business continuity plan (Bcp). this plan will help to minimise the impact to your business operations following a significant disruption. if you would like more information on developing a plan, contact council.
Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
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RuRAL FIRE sERvICE PRoFILE
meet rural fire serviCe suNshiNe Coast area direCtor aNdrew allaN How did your journey with QFES begin? I started in 1998 as a volunteer with a rural fire brigade in Brisbane. I progressed into employment in 2005 and am now based in Caloundra. I’m passionate about volunteering, in fact, when I’m not working I’ll respond to my pager from the local rural fire brigade. It’s all about supporting your local community. What does your role involve? I manage and support 36 rural fire brigades, from the Glasshouse Mountains, to a brigade called Federal which is near Pomona, and out to Kenilworth and Conondale. We also cover the areas up the escarpment – Montville, Mapleton and Maleny. We support them both with training and governance, and help coordinate training for emergency responses. When people dial 000 for a fire, the fire comms send the brigades to assist, but we train the brigade to be able to do that work. If that job escalates, we’ll go in and support them – send other brigades to help them. What is the most rewarding part of your role with QFES? Supporting volunteers and the community. That just defines what we
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Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
do. It’d be nice to know what the secret ingredient is to make people volunteer for their community – if I knew that I’d be a rich man! It’s such a worthwhile job to do. Just take the Peregian Beach fires recently - the appreciation that came from the people was huge. It wasn’t just fire fighting volunteers, but SES, fire and rescue, ambulance, police, charities, Queensland Parks Service – the list goes on. People all band together to solve a problem and that’s the fantastic part. It’s real nice to get a pat on the back, and the volunteers certainly appreciate it. But they don’t do it for that, they do it to be of service to their community. What’s your best memory as a rural fire inspector for QFES? There’s so many. A personal one for me, was when I led a strike team of volunteers from the Coast to WA in 2015, when they were having major bushfires. It was 87 people from here, and my team of 16 went to a town called Collie to give firefighters there a bit of respite. They’d been at it for a couple of months. The local government there were absolutely rapt with our efforts…the firefighters had been pretty tired and we were able to give them a week off.
photo: John Mccutcheon
What are the most challenging aspects of your role with QFES? Everybody has busy lives now, and it’s getting harder to recruit volunteers. You want to get four or five years’ service out of them after all the training, and we find that if people do stick out the training, they do stay long-term. It’s such a great environment, because you learn so many skills.
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It’s all about managing your property. People who don’t live in the bush are still truly affected by the fire – just look at the Peregian fires recently. Just because you don’t live in the bush doesn’t mean you’re safe from wildfires.
What are some of your tips for people to help prepare for bushfire season? It’s all about managing your property. People who don’t live in the bush are still truly affected by the fire – just look at the Peregian fires recently. Just because you don’t live in the bush doesn’t mean you’re safe from wildfires. there are three things you must do: ¾ Clear gutters of material. Most buildings don’t spark from the fire, it’s the embers, and they most often spark from leaf litter in the gutters. ¾ Keep yards clear of flammable debris like vegetation lying around. ¾ Make sure a fire appliance can access your property. Low hanging branches over your gate stops a fire truck coming in. What is the first thing someone should do if they see a fire? Call 000. Even if it’s just to report smoke! If 100 people ring 000, that’s great. You don’t want complacency to come in, where people think, ‘oh someone else has probably called that in’. The quicker we can get onto fires, the quicker we can bring them under control. We’d prefer to get onto a small fire with maximum resources than deal with a big one and have to call other areas for backup. What would you say to encourage someone to become a fire-fighter? Join us. You’ll learn new skills that’ll help you out later in life. We’ll show you how to suppress wildfire, how to use radios and other communications, all about occupational health and safety, first aid, how to avoid common accidents, how to use some pretty cool equipment, how to drive rural fire appliances, and work in live incidences. It could be the start of a career for you, so just start volunteering. Aside from your professional life, tell us a bit about yourself? I live in Ninderry, and I’m 56. I’m married and have three grown-up daughters. My wife is a medical receptionist, we married young and our first daughter was born when I was 23. One of my kids is a school teacher, one’s a nurse, and one’s at uni. What would we catch you doing on the weekend? I love my fishing. And if it’s too windy, I’d normally be playing golf. I like getting out there, being social with people and being in the community. I love the Coast, because of all the waterways, it’s got everything. I love surfing, fishing – you’ll find me doing any of that.
ARE you inTERESTED in JoininG THE RuRAL FiRE BRiGADE? to become a member of a rural fire brigade you need to be at least 16 years of age. Visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
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tHE Dos AND DoN’ts after a storm Do ✓ ¾
stoRm sAFEty APPs
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check your house and property for damage.
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Stay clear of trees, damaged buildings and waterways.
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SunSHinE CoAST CounCiL APP
The SCC App provides one touch access to a diverse range of council services including the disaster hub. When severe weather is approaching, flood waters are starting to rise or there’s another type of disaster on the Sunshine Coast you will receive CoastAlert notifications.
listen to the radio or other media for updates and advice.
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Stay clear of electrical signs, street lights, electrical cables, foil insulation or other conductive material that may be lying around your house.
RACQ MoBiLE SERviCES The RACQ Mobile Services App lets you request roadside assistance, check road condition reports, plan your trip (Android devices only) and find member savings.
FiRST AiD The Red Cross First Aid App is a free, comprehensive pocket guide to first aid and CPR, giving you access to the most up to date first aid information anytime, anywhere.
SES ASSiSTAnCE QLD The SES Assistance QLD App can assist when you or your property are in danger or potential danger associated with a flood or storm in Queensland. The State Emergency Service (SES) Queensland is a volunteer based organisation designed to empower people to help themselves and others in their community in times of emergency and disaster. The protection of life is the priority for the SES in these events.
apps available for download and purchase from the itunes app store or google play.
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Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
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go sightseeing.
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let children swim or play in floodwaters.
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touch fallen powerlines. always assume they are live and dangerous and report all fallen powerlines immediately to energex on 13 19 62.
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use any electrical appliances that have been wet or damaged. have them checked by your licensed electrical contractor.
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do your own electrical work. not only is it illegal, it’s also very dangerous. always use a licensed electrical contractor to do all your electrical work.
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touch a damaged switchboard. Stay away from switchboards if they are damaged by water, fire or if lightning is close, and warn others to do the same.
check on your neighbours to see if they need help.
BoM WEATHER
BOM Weather is the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather app, giving you the most accurate weather information as you move around.
Do Not ✘
REMEMBER...
iF iT’S FLooDED, FoRGET iT.
EmERGENCy CoNtaCts LiFE THREATEninG EMERGEnCy PoLiCE, FiRE, AMBuLAnCE ...........................................triple Zero (000) STATE EMERGEnCy SERviCE (SES) .................................................. 132 500
For assistance during a disaster or emergency
FOR ASSISTANCE DURING AN EMERGENCY SunSHinE CoAST CounCiL ...............................5475 7272 or 1300 007 272 call centre is open until 5pm and after hours for emergencies.
HoSPiTALS Sunshine Coast university Hospital..............................................5202 0000 Sunshine Coast university Private Hospital ................................5390 6000 nambour General Hospital............................................................. 5470 6600 noosa Private Hospital ................................................................... 5455 9200 Caloundra Health Service............................................................... 5436 8500 RoAD CLoSuRES .................................................................................. 13 19 40 EnERGEx ......................................................................... (emergency) 13 19 62 ....................................................................................... (loss of supply) 13 62 62
QuEEnSLAnD TRoPiCAL CyCLonE WARninGS ....................... 1300 659 212 QuEEnSLAnD LAnD WEATHER AnD FLooD WARninGS ....... 1300 659 219 QuEEnSLAnD CoASTAL MARinE WARninGS .......................... 1300 360 427 AuSTRALiAn TSunAMi THREAT inFoRMATion .................................................1300 878 6264 (1300 tSunaMi) QuEEnSLAnD GEnERAL WARninGS (CALL COSTS APPLY) ...........1900 969 922
✚
AuSTRALiAn RED CRoSS if you are seeking a welfare check on a loved one living in a disaster declared area. Visit register.redcross.org.au
WEBSiTES SunSHinE CoAST CounCiL disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au STATE EMERGEnCy SERviCES (SES) www.ses.qld.gov.au BuREAu oF METEoRoLoGy www.bom.gov.au
Blocked gutters are dangerous • Gutter cleaning • Ceiling cavities • Site clean ups • Storm water pits • Solar panels • Pressure Washing
Call Gutter Sucker for your FREE quote
FREE CALL: 1800 558 745
p. 0402 456 391 e. info@guttersucker.com.au Storm & buShfire Safety GuiDe ⁄ october 2019
15
PREPARE NOW FOR StORm SEASON Professional trimming and removal of overhanging or rotting trees prior to storm season is strongly recommended. Avoid potential injury to your family, damage to your family home or neighbour’s property. Contact Sunshine Coast Tree Services, your local and trusted tree company on 0448 403 095.
Call Darren today on 0448
403 095 or visit www.sunshinecoasttreeservices.com.au