Can you evacuate at a moment’s notice?
Summer = surf, sun, sand and storms! Having an Emergency Evacuation Plan this summer will mean everyone knows what to do during an extreme weather event.
When you think of summer on the Sunshine Coast what comes to mind?
Days at the beach, sunshine, cicadas… what about heatwaves, bushfires, storms, cyclones and flooding? Extreme weather happens and changes quickly! A fire can escalate status in a flash. Then a thunderstorm can roll across the Coast just as fast.
If you have only a few minutes to evacuate, what would you do? Are your documents in one box? Who gets the dog? And where are you going to go?
Having an Emergency Evacuation Plan this summer will mean everyone in your household knows what to do during an extreme weather event. Council and Get Ready Queensland recommend you prepare for storm season by:
- Completing an emergency plan
- Shopping for emergency kit
- Packing emergency kit
- Practicing evacuation plan
- Checking weather reports
- Making a plan for pets
- Cleaning up around the house
Get wild weather ready
Step one: Understand your risk
Learn what can happen where you live AND where you holiday.
Step two: Make a household emergency plan
Your family will know what to do and who to contact in an extreme weather emergency.
Step three: Pack an emergency kit
Grab a few extra items next time you’re 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 extreme weather you’ll 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 dangerous. Plan ahead by knowing different routes in case of road closures.
Are you ready to evacuate on holidays?
If you need to evacuate you might be on holidays and unable to get back home. Think about how to evacuate from there too.
What can you take?
You won’t have the space or time to pack everything. Considering what you can pack in your car can help you plan what to take and leave behind.
More information
Stay informed with Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Hub at disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for up-to-date information and links to key emergency services in one location, including: weather warnings, road closures, evacuation centres, airport updates, traffic cameras and flood mapping.
Sign up for weather notifications at bom.gov.au.
For resources visit getready.qld.gov.au.
This article Can you evacuate at a moment’s notice? has been supplied from the OurSC website and has been published here with permission.