Get Ready for summer hazards

With the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting a hot summer and the potential for heatwaves, bushfires, storms and flash-flooding, Sunshine Coast and Noosa residents are being encouraged to take simple steps now to prepare.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli was joined by Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie, emergency services, volunteers and disaster management partners to launch Queensland's annual Get Ready Week campaign.

The mayors are reminding residents that preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of severe weather events.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Natoli said community resilience began with individual and household preparedness.

"Living on the Sunshine Coast, we enjoy an incredible lifestyle, but we also know our region is no stranger to severe weather and natural hazards," Mayor Natoli said.

"Whether it's storms, flooding, bushfires, cyclones or heatwaves, these events can happen quickly and have a significant impact on our homes, businesses and daily lives."

Mayor Natoli said strong regional partnerships played a critical role in preparing for emergencies.

"Disasters don't recognise council boundaries, which is why Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils work closely together alongside emergency services, volunteers and government agencies to prepare for, and respond to, emergencies across our region," she said.

"This partnership is one of our greatest strengths and so too is the resilience of our communities.

"Time and again, we've seen neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers stepping forward and local people supporting each other when it matters most."

Time to prepare is now

Noosa Mayor Wilkie said Get Ready Week is our reminder to prepare family and property for the season ahead.

"Preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow,” Mayor Wilkie said.

“Knowing whether your home is at risk of flooding, having a plan for your family and ensuring essential items are ready to go can help you act quickly and confidently when conditions change.

"We're encouraging every household to take three simple steps: know your risk, make an emergency plan and pack an emergency kit.”

Summer Forecast

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised our Local Disaster Management Groups that we should prepare for a summer of higher temperatures, and an increased risk of heatwaves and bushfires.

Our fire risk is exacerbated by below average soil moisture, following below average rainfall, over the last few weeks.

With El Nino continuing to strengthen over the coming months, residents should also prepare their property for the potential of severe storms and periods of intense rainfall that can lead to flash flooding.

Mayor Natoli encouraged residents to make use of council's disaster preparedness resources.

"We've made it easier than ever to access trusted local information," Mayor Natoli said.

"I encourage everyone to visit Sunshine Coast Council's updated Disaster Hub for practical resources, emergency information and the latest news, or download the Sunshine Coast App to get emergency alerts on your phone.

"The more prepared we are as individuals, families and communities, the stronger and safer our region will be.

"Get Ready Week is the perfect opportunity to start the conversation at home, make a plan and get ready now.

"Preparation isn't about expecting the worst. It's about having confidence that you and your family know what to do when it counts."

How to boost your resilience

Sunshine Coast and Noosa residents are urged to take the following simple steps to boost resilience and safeguard themselves, their families, homes and businesses:

• Step one :  Understand your risk .
• Step two :  Prepare a household emergency plan .
• Step three :  Pack an emergency kit .

For important resources visit getready.qld.gov.au.

For the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after a disaster strikes, visit disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au (Sunshine Coast region) and disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au (Noosa Shire).