Can you evacuate at a moment’s notice?
This weekend it’s time to get your emergency plan in place. Having an Emergency Evacuation Plan means everyone in your household knows what to do if the weather turns bad. It also gives you and your family peace-of-mind that when a disaster strikes, you’ll know how to ‘act’.
Extreme weather can happen – and change – very quickly! As we’ve seen this week, a fire can escalate to “LEAVE NOW” status in a flash. Then a thunderstorm can roll across the Coast just as fast.
If you have only a few minutes to evacuate your home, would you know what to do?
Does everyone in your household know what they should grab?
Are your documents in one box?
Who gets the dog?
And where are you going to go?
This weekend it’s time to get your emergency plan in place
Having an Emergency Evacuation Plan means everyone in your household knows what to do if the weather turns bad. It also gives you and your family peace-of-mind that when a disaster strikes, you’ll know how to ‘act’.
There are a few simple steps you can take to Get Ready
Step one: Understand your risk
Impacts from extreme weather are different for everyone. Learn what can happen where you live and how it could affect how your family lives, works, moves and plays in your community.
Step two: Make a household emergency plan
Make a household emergency plan so your family knows what to do and who to contact in extreme weather. It will give you peace of mind to have important information in one place.
Step three: Pack an emergency kit
Grab a few extra items next time you are at the supermarket for your emergency kit.
Questions to consider
Where will you go if you need to evacuate?
If you need to evacuate your home because of a disaster you will need somewhere to stay. Ask family and friends if they have space to house you.
How will you get away?
During disasters some roads can be too dangerous to drive on. Plan ahead to know different routes in case of a closed road.
Are you ready to evacuate if you are not home?
If you need to evacuate, you might not be able to get back home. Think about what places you are in often and plan to evacuate from there too.
How much stuff can you take?
While we would like to take everything with us, we don't always have the space. You should think about how many things you can pack in your car. This can help you plan what to take and what to leave behind.
It’s important to prepare now before the next severe weather event, so you’re best placed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
More information
Stay informed by visiting Council’s Disaster Hub and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
It’s also a great idea to sign up for weather notifications from the Bureau of Meteorology.
For disaster preparedness advice and resources to prepare your household emergency and evacuation plan visit the Get Ready Queensland website.