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 council, in partnership with emergency services agencies, is urging the community to ensure they are prepared as we approach the upcoming disaster season.

This reminder is part of this week’s Get Ready Queensland Week (October 8-14).

Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Mark Jamieson said council’s preparations were well underway.

“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.

“Council’s disaster management team has also been working with residents in our community to help them prepare and ensure they have their own plans in place, including an emergency kit in their homes,

“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.”