Storm and Bush Fire Safety Guide

B E

P R E P A R E D

STORM & BUSHFIRE SAFETY GUIDE

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.

Evacuation Centres

Planned Power Outages

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.

STORM BUSHFIRE SAFETY GUIDE

Mayor Mark Jamieson

Storm Bushfire Safety Guide is published by Newscorp. 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 judgments.

CONTENTS

LIVING on the Sunshine Coast is something we all cherish.

Our climate, environment and lifestyle help to make our region such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

But we know that when it comes to extreme weather events, especially storms and bushfires, we are not immune.

And as the warmer months loom, the likelihood of bad weather hitting us increases significantly.

Experience shows that communities that are well prepared and supported before a disaster occurs are more resilient and able to recover faster.

That’s why I encourage you and your family to read this Get Ready Guide and keep it handy over the coming storm season.

We have excellent plans in place via our Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group, but it’s important that being prepared is not just left to the experts.

Everyone has a role to play.

As well as this guide, a great place for information is the council’s award-winning Disaster Hub website – disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au – where you can find out what to do before, during and after a disaster or emergency.

And please sign up to our Coast Alert notification service by downloading the Sunshine Coast Council app (search for SCC app).

Don’t be complacent. Be ready.

ARE YOU STORM AND BUSHFIRE READY? / 04 KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS / 06 EDUCATING OUR KIDS / 06 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES / 07 EMERGENCY CHECKLIST / 08 PREPARE YOUR PETS / 09

PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS / 10 CAR SAFETY / 11 ENERGEX TEAM KEEPING YOU CONNECTED / 12 THE EMERGENCY DO’S AND DON’TS / 14 CONTACT NUMBERS / 15 USEFUL RESOURCES / 15

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ARE YOU STORM AND BUSHFIRE 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 are a few tips to help minimise the damage on your home and keep your family safe during storm season.

■ Trim trees and branches close to the house but call a professional tree trimmer if they’re near powerlines.

■ Secure loose items in your backyard.

■ Clear gutters, downpipes and drains.

■ Check your roof regularly to ensure it’s in good condition.

■ Make sure all shades, sails and awnings are fitted properly.

■ Get your insurance up-to-date.

■ Identify the safest room in the house to shelter during a storm.

■ Identify a safe place to evacuate to should a storm surge or flood threaten.

■ Ensure you know how to safely turn off your power, water and gas.

■ Check your emergency kit is up-to-date with water containers, a barbecue or other gas or coal cooking appliance.

■ Make sure your pet’s registration and tags are current.

■ Stock up on food, water and medicine for yourself and 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 family and home.

Tune in

■ To the local radio and TV station for updates.

Log on

■ To the Sunshine Coast Council’s website: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Listen out

■ For the Standard Emergency Warning Signal – this is the siren used at the beginning of storm warning announcements on radio and TV. ■ For Emergency Alert messages on your landline and mobile phone.

■ For warning sirens and announcements made by emergency services.

■ For emergency services personnel who may knock on your door.

Pre-storm check list

■ Secure outdoor furniture and gardening items.

■ Tape glass on exposed windows and secure all doors.

■ Park vehicles under cover or protect with secured tarpaulins or blankets.

■ Ensure your car has a full tank of fuel.

■ Turn off and unplug electrical items and turn off power, water and gas if instructed.

■ Ensure mobile phone batteries are fully charged.

■ Stay indoors as the storm approaches and ensure pets/farm animals are secured safely under shelter.

■ Store your important documents, medical prescriptions and valuables in a waterproof container in a secure location like your car boot.

■ Ensure that every household member knows about warnings and advice.

■ Make sure you have appropriate insurance to cover tree clean-up and removal in case this occurs on your property.

Post-storm check list

■ Check on neighbours and friends who may need special assistance.

■ Don’t go exploring.

■ Act quickly on advice given by emergency services.

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HOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS CAN HELP WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

PREPARING TOGETHER

The Local Disaster Management team needs your help

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 the 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.

“Having businesses, neighbourhoods and individuals that are prepared frees up emergency services’ resources for people who really cannot help themselves.”

How to connect with your neighbours:

■ Find one or two neighbours and plan a gathering for your neighbourhood, such as a barbecue or pot luck house party.

■ Welcome a new neighbour when they move in.

You may like to provide home-made treats or menus to your favourite takeaway places.

■ 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.

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NOW is the time to get ready and prepare for disasters.

The Sunshine Coast may have fared well with minimal severe weather so far this year but recent years have repeatedly proven that we can never be complacent.

That’s why Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with emergency services agencies, is urging the community to ensure they are prepared as we approach the upcoming extreme weather season.

The issue will be highlighted during Get Ready Queensland Week from October 8–14.

Local Disaster Management Group chairman Mayor Mark Jamieson said the council’s preparations were well under way.

“We recently hosted our annual disaster management exercise, titled Exercise Evictus, which put Sunshine Coast and Noosa disaster management groups to the test in a joint real-time practice event,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“It was a great opportunity to test our plans and

processes, particularly our evacuation procedures, and provide our personnel with a refresher ahead of the summer storm season to improve their responses and skills in case disaster does strike.

“Our team has been out and about at community events, such as markets, barbecues and information sessions, to speak with the community and provide advice about what people can do to prepare.”

Local Disaster Coordinator Tom Jamieson said everyone had a responsibility to be prepared.

"Council works closely with our emergency services agencies, including the SES, to ensure we are all prepared," Mr Jamieson said.

"It is equally important that that families and businesses get their own homes and premises ready in case of severe weather.

"As well as being prepared, we ask people to be careful when storms do it hit.

"This storm season, as always, if it’s flooded, forget it."

SAFETY STARTS WITH OUR YOUNGEST AS PART of its Get Ready Queensland program, Sunshine Coast Council has developed an education program for school students to ensure young people are part of the conversation when it comes to disaster preparedness.

The council’s disaster management team is visiting Sunshine Coast primary schools across the region to talk about possible weather events and other risks they may be exposed to in our region and engage with students to help them get ready for when a disaster strikes.

Sunshine Coast local disaster management group chairman Mayor Mark Jamieson said early education in promoting resilience against future disasters was key to building stronger communities.

“Disaster education is vital for helping young people make good decisions in the future,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Council established that it was important for students to receive this information from a young age to ensure the philosophy and practice of being prepared are embedded in their normal day-to-day thinking.

“We want to provide students with the opportunity to join the conversation on disasters and contribute ideas on how we can all work together to help minimise the risks.”

Students are introduced to the Sunshine Coast

Council Disaster Hub website, developed with funding from the Get Ready Queensland program.

“Council’s Disaster Hub is a one-stop shop for members of the community to access real-time information before, during and after natural disasters,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The website captures road closures, traffic conditions, power outages, Bureau of Meteorology warnings, as well as useful information about preparing your family or businesses for a disaster, evacuation centres and emergency contacts.

“We have made the content as interesting and interactive as possible in the hope that students will go home to their families, share their learnings and spread the simple yet potentially lifesaving information.”

Mayor Jamieson, who is also president of the Local Government Association of Queensland, said communities across the state could never be too prepared.

“In every location, coastal or hinterland, we need to understand, adapt, develop and revise strategies to get ready for the next disaster,” he said.

“Our communities have to be alert to the possibilities of what can happen, whether it be a natural or man-made disaster, and be fully prepared for when an event occurs.”

WHAT TO DO IN DIFFERENT WEATHER SCENARIOS WEATHER EVENT

INSIDE

OUTSIDE

IN VEHICLE

■ 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 floodwaters.

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 a storm.

■ Be wary of downed powerlines 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 the best choice).

■ Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.

■ If possible, crouch under heavy furniture. Protect your head with a cushion or mattress.

■ Seek shelter in a building, not a car or caravan.

■ If no shelter is available, lie flat in a 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 out-drive a cyclone.

■ If possible, run to nearby solid shelter or building.

■ If no solid structure is nearby, lie flat in a 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 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 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 by following a guide like this prepared by the Rural Fire Service in NSW. You should phone your state's fire authority and ask for an assessment or advice.

■ 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 during a bushfire, this is extremely dangerous.

Flooding

SOURCE: WWW.BOM.GOV.AU, WWW.GETREADY.QLD.GOV.AU

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PREPARING YOUR EMERGENCY 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.

Emergency kit check list

Evacuation kit check list

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Fresh water for three days Three days’ worth of non-perishable food and can opener First aid kit Portable radio Torch Sturdy gloves Spare batteries for radio, torch and mobile phone Essential medication Mobile phone and charger Important documents in sealed bags and cash Baby formula and nappies Items for your pet – lead, pet carrier, pet food, medication Waterproof bags Toiletries

■ 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.

■ Keep your kit in a waterproof storage container and store in an easy-toaccess location.

■ Check your kit every three months.

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Blanket Sleeping bag Cash Kids’ toys/entertainment such as a pack of cards, crosswords Pillows Warm clothes Valuables and mementos Essential medication Mobile phone and charger Important documents in sealed bags Cash Baby formula and nappies Items for your pet – lead, pet carrier, pet food, medication Toiletries

■ Preparing an evacuation kit now can save you time and stress in the event of a 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.

■ Keep your kit in a waterproof storage container and store in an easy-toaccess location.

■ Check your kit every three months.

INCLUDE YOUR PETS It is up to you to prepare for the safety and welfare of your pets in case of an emergency.

Be prepared

■ Include your animals in household emergency plans.

■ Properly identify your pets (such as with name tags, microchip or band).

■ Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on display.

■ Be aware that some evacuation centres may not accept animals so plan alternatives accordingly.

■ Ensure your pets' vaccinations are up to date.

Act early

■ If moving animals to a safer place, do so early to avoid unnecessary risk.

■ Ensure there is access to plenty of food and water.

■ If staying at home, secure animals in good time so that they do not take flight.

Be considerate

PLEASE NOTE

■ Your pet will only be accepted into an evacuation centre if it is contained in a carry cage or wearing a muzzle.

■ No exceptions can be made.

■ Trained assistance dogs, as well as dogs in training, will be permitted to stay inside evacuation centres with their owners.

Here’s what to do if it is not possible to take your pet with you to a temporary evacuation shelter: ■ Secure animals inside before an emergency event, so that they do not take flight or run away.

■ It may be possible for your pet to be boarded in a safe environment away from the emergency zone.

■ If you are able to house your animal in a temporary foster home, again take all the essentials – food, water, water bowl, leash, crate/carrier, newspaper/sanitation, blanket, toy, medications.

■ If you have to leave pets behind: If possible, leave your pets indoors.

■ Place pets in separate rooms with small or preferably no windows (such as the laundry or bathroom).

■ Provide adequate food and water in large heavy bowls.

■ If left outside, do not tie them up.

Act safe

■ Your safety, and that of your family, is paramount.

■ Don’t risk human life trying to find and protect pets.

Are you prepared for storm season?

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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.

■ If you or a family member requires regular medication, ensure it is available in any location you may find yourself stuck (school, childcare centre, workplace or your vehicle).

■ Think about the roads you regularly use, take into account the ones that 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.

■ 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.

■ Consider alternative modes of transport, such as trains.

■ Talk with schools and childcare centres about alternative after-care arrangements if you are unable to collect children on time.

■ Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your car, including friends, family, school, work, neighbours and local emergency numbers.

■ Keep a mobile phone charger in the car or at work.

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CAR SAFETY General car preparations

■ Ensure your car insurance is up-to-date and it covers your assets adequately.

■ Store a spare supply of fuel and ensure you retain it safely in an appropriate container.

■ Have wide masking tape for car windows on standby.

■ Store blankets or a hail cover in your car.

■ Keep bottled water and dry food/snacks in your car if you are caught away from home as well as a mobile phone charger.

■ Check your street and suburb for flood-prone areas and be aware.

When a severe weather warning is issued

■ Park vehicles undercover.

■ 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, powerlines and waterways.

Advice for flood-damaged vehicles

■ 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.

■ Before using the vehicle, drain and replace all contaminated fuels, oils and fluids to minimise damage.

■ A build-up of debris under the vehicle can damage mechanical components or lead to clogging of cooling systems and overheating.

■ Ensure the key safety components, such as steering and brakes, are functioning correctly after any water exposure.

REMEMBER...

IF IT’S FLOODED, FORGET IT!

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.

Be prepared

■ 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.

■ Allocate tasks for each staff member to prepare the business for a storm.

■ Ensure enough stock is on hand to supply your business and customers in the critical period after the event.

■ Store a battery-powered radio, torch and spare batteries.

■ Store a generator (if applicable) and sufficient supply of fuel.

■ Store a first aid kit and first aid manual.

■ Check your building is in a sound condition, especially the roof and eaves.

■ Trim overhanging branches, clear the property of any loose items that could become missiles during extreme winds.

■ Store personal protective equipment – gloves, masks, disinfectant and safety glasses.

■ Store waterproof bags for valuables.

■ Back up your data and secure your backups in a safe place.

■ 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.

■ Pack critical documentation (for example, insurance, financial, legal and identification documents) in a portable waterproof container.

■ 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.

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PHOTO: ERIK WILLIAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY

ENERGEX

REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE...

Meet Peter Lougheed THE hard-working men and women from Energex dedicate their time to ensure our lights stay on.

They operate throughout Southeast Queensland, from the NSW border to as far north as Gympie and west to the base of the Great Dividing Range.

Providing efficient power supply to this larger area (encompassing about 3.4 million people) is no easy feat and wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of members like Sunshine Coast area manager Peter Lougheed.

ENERGEX AREA MANAGER PETER LOUGHEED .

PHOTOS: JOHN MCCUTCHEON

Page 12

How did your journey with Energex begin?

I started an apprenticeship with Energex in 1987 and have worked my way through a number of different roles in the field and the office, leading up to my current role.

What does your role involve?

As area manager of the Sunshine Coast, I oversee a team of 160 people that take care of the construction and maintenance of the electricity network all hours of the day and night. This work is vital during emergencies such as storms and severe weather.

Why is working for Southeast Queensland’s largest electricity supplier so rewarding?

I love being a part of the great camaraderie and team work at Energex. Everyone has the same focus – to deliver electricity as safely as possible. We are also focused on restoring and maintaining electricity supply. This is especially important during storm season. Working closely with the community is also a greatly rewarding part of my role.

What’s your best memory working for Energex?

There is a great sense of achievement when we get the power back on for our customers, especially after storm damage, and doing this safely and as quickly as possible is very satisfying.

What challenges come with providing almost 3.5 million people with electricity?

Ensuring the safety of our staff and customers at all times while building and maintaining our electricity network. The network in Southeast Queensland includes 52,800km of overhead and underground lines, 670,000 poles, 355,000 streetlights and 48,500 distribution transformers. Keeping up with new technology is also a challenge in our industry as we strive for efficiency, quality and safety.

ON THE LINE: SCOTT BAILEY AND PAT ROWAN WORK ON POWERLINES.

What is the best protocol for individuals to follow in the case of a blackout?

If you’ve lost power, turn off your power points and unplug electrical equipment if it is safe to do so. Don’t go outside during a storm to turn off power.

Are there any preparations you can do to try and avoid blackouts?

Ensure you have safety switches installed and test them regularly. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in case you need to use it in an emergency.

Always use a battery-powered torch or lantern during blackouts and avoid using candles where possible.

Make sure you know how to turn your mains power off in case you need to do it in an emergency. Prepare an evacuation plan that includes when power lines are on or near your property, so you can avoid these while you evacuate.

What should someone do if they notice faulty or fallen lines after a storm?

Treat any fallen or damaged powerlines as live. Be careful cleaning up fallen branches and debris around your property as they could be hiding fallen or submerged power lines. Fallen and low-hanging power lines can be hard to see, especially at night.

Stay well away from them and warn others to do the same. Report any fallen lines to Energex on 13 19 62.

Look out for our new safety advertising campaign Take care, stay line aware and for more info please visit our website www.energex.com.au.

What other safety tips do you have to help prepare people for storm season?

Some easy steps to help protect your home and family are to maintain trees and shrubbery in your yard, remove weak branches and eliminate trees that could fall on your home or powerlines during a storm. Never trim trees near powerlines, please phone Energex on 13 12 53.

During storms there are things you can do to stay safe when lightning strikes, such as unplug computers, TVs (including the external aerial), stereos and other unnecessary electronic equipment to avoid damage from a power surge. Avoid using the fixed telephone. If lightning strikes close by, the phone system may become highly charged. Stay inside or away from trees and poles. Lightning usually strikes the tallest point.

Aside from your professional life, tell us a bit about yourself?

I enjoy married life with three grown-up sons. In my spare time, I like camping and fishing and my favourite spot for holidays is Fraser Island. I also love caravan trips throughout Australia with my wife.

What would we catch you doing at the weekend?

Most weekends I enjoy working around the yard and gardening, or getting away camping.

Page 13

STORM SAFETY APPS

THE DO’S AND DON’TS AFTER A STORM

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, floodwaters are starting to rise or there’s another type of disaster on the Sunshine Coast you will receive CoastAlert notifications.

BOM Weather

BOM Weather is the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather app, giving you the most accurate weather information as you move around.

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 any time, any where.

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 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.

Page 14

DO

■ Listen to the radio or other media for updates and advice.

■ Check your house and property for damage.

■ Stay clear of trees, damaged buildings and waterways.

■ Stay clear of electrical signs, street lights, electrical cables, foil insulation or other conductive material that may be lying around your house.

■ Check on your neighbours to see if they need help.

DO NOT

■ Go sightseeing.

■ Let children swim or play in floodwaters.

■ Touch fallen powerlines. Always assume they are live and dangerous and report all fallen powerlines immediately to Energex on 13 19 62.

■ Use any electrical appliances that have been wet or damaged. Have them checked by your licensed electrical contractor.

REMEMBER...

IF IT’S FLOODED, FORGET IT! ■ 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.

■ 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.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Life Threatening Emergency

CALOUNDRA HEALTH SERVICE 5436 8500

POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE Triple Zero (000)

ROAD CLOSURES 13 19 40

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICES (SES) 132 500

ENERGEX (Emergency) 13 19 62 (Loss of supply) 13 62 62

For assistance during a disaster or emergency SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL 07 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

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

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

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