As summer approaches Maranoa residents urged to Get Ready
Maranoa residents are urged to prepare for extreme weather as part of Get Ready Queensland Week 2024.
Taking place from October 8 – 13, the annual campaign is a time for Queenslanders to take steps to prepare their family and property against natural disasters.
Get Ready Queensland is a year-round, all-hazards, resilience building initiative of the Queensland Government.
Maranoa Regional Council Mayor and Portfolio Spokesperson for Disaster Management, Cr Wendy Taylor said disaster preparedness is crucial.
“In an emergency, having a plan and being familiar with it means everyone knows what to do,” Cr Taylor said.
“Talking about what you would do in an emergency is an important conversation that all families should have.
“Extreme weather can affect us all, and we all have a part to play, so I encourage every Maranoa resident to take this opportunity to Get Ready.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said Maranoa communities should prepare now for any type of extreme weather.
“Get Ready Queensland’s new campaign sums it perfectly – weather doesn’t plan, but you can,” Mr Ellwood said.
“Get Ready Queensland Week is the time to take stock, to think about protecting your home and loved ones by preparing for extreme weather such as storms, floods, cyclones and bushfires.
“Regardless of where you live or how long you’ve lived there, it’s important every Queenslander understands their risk, makes a household emergency plan, and packs an emergency kit.
"To support Maranoa Regional Council’s efforts preparing for the upcoming disaster season, Get Ready Queensland has available a wide range of information, resources and tips that residents can utilise for their disaster planning.”
It’s easy to be prepared by following Get Ready Queensland’s 3 Steps to Get Ready:
- Understand your risk – impacts from extreme weather are different for everyone. Learn about what can happen where you live and how it could affect your family.
- Make a plan – make a household emergency plan so your family knows what to do and who to contact in extreme weather. It only takes a few minutes and will give you peace of mind that your information is in one place.
- Pack a kit – grab a few extra items next time you are at the supermarket to make an emergency kit
Maranoa residents are encouraged to register for weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and become familiar with Council’s online Disaster Dashboard to receive the most up to date information.
Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston said no Queenslander can afford to be complacent when it comes to preparing for severe weather.
“Last year’s massive disaster season affected 66 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas, which really underlines the need for all of us to Get Ready,” Mr Thurston said.
“No matter where you live in this state, you owe it to yourself and those you care about to make a plan to stay safe during extreme weather.
“To Get Ready, Queensland.”
For more information visit www.getready.qld.gov.au or Council’s Disaster Dashboard Dashboard (maranoa.qld.gov.au).