The temperature and the humidity have begun to rise, and Townsville City Council has set the date for Disaster Ready Day before the wet season sets in for the summer.
Disaster Ready Day will be held on Sunday 7 November at Jezzine Barracks with a variety of stallholders who will engage with the community about disaster preparedness, resilience, and recovery.
Townsville Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Jenny Hill said Disaster Ready Day is an opportunity for the community to learn how they can best prepare for the storm season.
"Last year was relatively quiet for us as far as a disaster season goes. It gave us a much needed reprieve after what we experienced in 2019, but we should not be complacent," Cr Hill said.
"This year, the Bureau of Meteorology thinks there is a possibility of La Niña forming, which would mean higher than average rainfall and warmer water temperature in Northern Australia.
"This is only a possibility, but I want our community to be prepared and know what they can do to protect themselves, their families and their properties in case of a disaster.
"We have seen people moving north to escape COVID-19, so Disaster Ready Day will be crucial in ensuring that our community knows what to expect over the summer."
Cr Hill said that a vaccination pop-up would also be made available for eligible residents at the event.
"This is the second year that COVID-19 has cast a shadow over the disaster season, but this year there is a vaccine available which can offer protection from the virus," she said.
"We are urging residents to get vaccinated ahead of the wet season, as this will minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading if we need to open evacuation and cyclone shelters for the community.
"I'd also encourage residents to begin their disaster planning now; don't wait until Disaster Ready Day to get things underway. Simple things like stocking up the cyclone kits and updating the evacuation plan can make all the difference if we are faced with a disaster."
