Page 8 - 2024 Cassowary Coast Informer

6 6 EMERGENCY www.cassowarycoastinformer.com.au

IT IS UP TO YOU

Know your risk and be prepared

CYCLONE PREPAREDNESS

Far North Queensland enjoys a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the dry season from May to October with mild
temperatures; and the wet season from November to April with warmer temperatures. During the wet season, cyclones and
flooding pose a threat to our region; Cyclone Larry in March 2006 and Cyclone Yasi in February 2011 directly hit the
Cassowary Coast Regional area causing extensive damage. Every one of us has a responsibility to themselves and their
families to be prepared. Emergency services and those with a role in disaster management have limited resources and
whilst they do the best they can to assist you during and following disaster events you also need to take charge of your own
safety by heeding the warnings and taking the necessary precautions; remember help may not reach you for several days.

CYCLONE PREPAREDNESS • Do not go sightseeing - you will only hinder If you are asked to evacuate, only use the
emergency services trying to do their jobs
• Don’t leave things to the last minute. • If you need to use the telephone, make the call brief recommended route. Proceed with extreme caution
and stay calm. Wear strong clothing and footwear.
• Check your house and roof are in good condition. • If it is safe to do so, check your neighbours; they Turn off the electricity, gas and water services and
• Trim tree branches well clear of your house. may need assistance lock up your dwelling. Remember evacuation centres
• Clear your property of loose material that could will not allow animals, alcohol or weapons. Temporary
cause injury and damage during extreme winds. EMERGENCY SITUATION evacuation centres will only be activated as needed.
• In case of storm tide warning – know your nearest Do not forget your emergency and evacuation kit.
safe high ground and the best access route. If you have a medical or life threatening situation
• Prepare an emergency kit and evacuation kit (hold phone 000. Other serious problems such as losing EMERGENCY KIT
ready in home). a roof phone SES on 132 500 or the Disaster
Coordination Centre on 1300 188 505. Your emergency kit should contain the following items:
UPON CYCLONE WARNING • Battery operated radio and spare batteries
• Listen to local radio and TV for further information FLOODS • Tinned food for at least 5 days
• Batten down house; secure doors, board, tape or Talk to neighbours and long term locals to see if your • Water in containers for at least 5 days
paper paste windows (flour or starch glue works) property has a history of flooding. Visit Council’s Flood • Torches or candles, waterproof matches
• Turn off gas and water Awareness website to see if you are within the study • Spare clothing for at least 5 days, wrapped in
• Have enough cash to last you a couple of days; area: http://maps.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au plastic...even a blanket and pillow.
ATMs do not operate during power outages • Essential medications
• Store loose items inside, place documents, photos, The website presents Council’s flood modelling data • Self contained cooking gear e.g. Portable gas
valuables and clothing in plastic bags showing the height above mean sea level and extent camping stove
• Lock up pets of flooding for the Johnstone and Tully Rivers. Using • First aid kit
• Fill water containers; store enough non perishable the information supplied on the website and from
food for at least 5 days Council is the first step you can take to preparing for EVACUATION KIT
• Prepare an evacuation kit (in small bags) include a flood in your area. If you live in a flood prone area
your emergency kit there are a number of simple things you can do to Your evacuation kit should contain the following items:
• Ensure your vehicle is full of fuel in case of an minimise the impact a flood could have on you and • EMERGENCY KIT
evacuation and secure vehicle undercover your property. • Strong footwear (not thongs) to protect against
• Listen to your local radio station for warnings and cut feet
DURING THE CYCLONE advice • Important items wrapped in plastic e.g. marriage
• Keep calm, STAY INSIDE, heed warnings and • If possible, move vehicles, garbage, outdoor certificate, passport, insurance papers, photos,
advice equipment, poisons or chemicals to higher valuables, computer files, etc.
• Shelter in the strongest part of the house - perhaps locations • Any medical equipment you may need
bathroom, internal toilet or passageway • Consider which indoor items you can raise eg. oxygen bottle
• If the house starts to break up, protect yourself with (e.g. furniture, clothing, electrical goods etc.) or
a mattress, rugs or blankets. If possible anchor empty refrigerators and freezers if water threatens REMEMBER YOUR PETS
yourself to strong fixtures such as water pipes or to enter your home Plan ahead for your pets; Evacuation Centres cannot
get under a strong table or bed • Consider what you will do with your pets accept pets due to Council’s health and safety
• Beware the calm ‘eye’: Don’t assume the cyclone • If it’s safe to do so, turn off gas, electricity and water regulations. The best option is to get a friend or
is over - violent winds will soon resume from the • Be prepared to evacuate your home relative outside the evacuation area to take your pets,
opposite direction and preferably you too. If you stay at home:
EVACUATION
AFTER THE CYCLONE • Prepare an easily cleaned room such as the
• Listen to the radio for further warnings such as Evacuation centres are NOT cyclone shelters. Unless bathroom or laundry for your pets
flooding you have been advised to evacuate, ALWAYS STAY • Keep a good supply of newspapers for your pet’s
• Do not make unnecessary demands on emergency INSIDE and listen to your local radio station for further sanitary needs
services warnings or advice. Information regarding declared • For each pet, have two weeks supply of
• Do not turn on power or gas if damaged until evacuation will be broadcast. medication, food and water
checked by authorities Be prepared; consider the possibility of evacuation • Keep a leash handy at all times
• Do not touch wet switches by Police or Emergency Services. If you don’t have • Keep with you a current photograph of your pet, in
• Do not drink any water that may be contaminated transport, make prior arrangements with a neighbour. case your pet is lost