Queenslanders are being asked to take simple steps to prepare for this season’s extreme weather, no matter where they live across the state.
Get Ready Queensland Week launched today at events in Brisbane and Townsville, with the message to ‘plan ahead and pack an emergency kit’.
“Queenslanders know just how bad natural disasters can be, so it is absolutely vital that everyone acts now, to get ready,” said Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“I’m really proud of the QRA team this year for getting out and reminding Queenslanders what they can do around the house to get ready, including making sure you have the right pantry and home essentials, should disaster strike.”
Research shows that almost half of all Queenslanders are already preparing their home and family by understanding how extreme weather can interrupt their lives, planning what they will do, and having supplies to keep them safe and comfortable.
Adding long-life food, drinking water, a torch with spare batters and toiletries to your shopping list will help you and your family if the shops are closed, the water stops or power goes out.
As part of the launch events, the Bureau of Meteorology revealed this year’s Severe Weather Outlook for Queensland after recently declaring that the El Nino weather pattern had arrived.
“Even though El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole have been declared and are likely to increase the chance of heatwaves and fire dangers over the coming months, Queensland is also likely to experience severe thunderstorms that can bring damaging winds, rain and hail,” said Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson, Laura Boekel.
“Severe weather is unpredictable and can happen at any time of the year in Queensland so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast and warnings on the Bureau’s website or the BOM Weather app.”
The Townsville event saw the launch of the Get Ready Queensland Trolley Tour, a week-long road trip of regional Queensland promoting the importance of preparing for extreme weather.
The Get Ready Queensland program is managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, the state’s lead agency for disaster resilience and recovery, and is sponsored by Suncorp with support from retail partner IGA.
“Get Ready Queensland Week is a reminder that almost every corner of our great state has been impacted by natural disasters at some stage – some many times,” said Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO, Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd).
“In fact, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority is currently managing an active reconstruction program with an estimated value of more than $7.4 billion, comprising works from 32 events across the 2019-20 to 2022-23 disaster seasons.
“We know more extreme weather is in store, even if we don’t know when, so it’s vital we’re ready when disaster strikes.
“We want every Queenslander to share our vision of creating stronger, safer, more resilient Queensland communities.
“During Get Ready Queensland Week, I encourage everyone to prepare appropriately, take the time to make an emergency plan and when you’re at the supermarket grab what you need for your emergency kit.”
Get Ready Queensland Ambassador, rugby league great, Johnathan Thurston, today encouraged all Queenslanders to take the opportunity to be prepared – to Get Ready.
“Queensland’s sheer size and diversity means we face multiple challenges from extreme weather, and from personal experience I know how devastating the impacts of natural disasters can be,” he said.
“The memories and impacts of the terrible floods that swamped Townsville four-and-a-half years ago remain fresh in my mind.
“While we can’t prevent natural disasters, we can lessen the impacts on our homes and loved ones.
“Just grabbing a few extra items next time you’re at the shops is all it takes to stock an emergency kit, to help keep you and your family safe at home.”
More information is available at www.getready.qld.gov.au.
