Three Steps Queensland SES Want You To Know To Get Ready For Severe Weather

Get Ready Queensland Week runs from 6 to 12 October and is a time for Queenslanders to take steps to prepare their family and property against severe weather.

This year's theme is 'Weather doesn't plan, but you can.'

Research shows people who are prepared for severe weather recover faster than those who rely solely on outside help.

Get Ready Queensland and Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) want you to get prepared today by following these three steps:

1. Know your risk
2. Make an emergency plan
3. Pack an emergency kit

Know 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.

Research local emergency plans, evacuation zones, and suggested evacuation routes for where you live, work, study and hang out. Find out what help is available through local council and support agencies.

Whether you have lived in the same suburb your entire life, have just moved to Queensland or are travelling within the state, it is easy to find out your disaster risks.

Check with your local council if severe storms, cyclones, floods, storm surge or tsunamis are likely in your area.

Make an emergency plan with your family

Make a household emergency plan so your family knows what to do and who to contact in extreme weather.

Figure out which family and friends you could stay with you if you need to evacuate. Know how to find out about evacuation centres in your community during severe weather, especially if friends or family might not be an option. Will you be able to take your pets?

Below are some steps to take and conversations to have to begin making an emergency plan:

• Research hazards and disaster arrangements for your community.
• Discuss possible scenarios and what you could do.
• Think about shelter and evacuation options.
• Think about why you may need to leave your home.
• Know where to go for emergency information including your local council disaster dashboard and local ABC radio station.
• Make sure everyone is prepared.

Read more information about making an emergency plan.

Pack an emergency kit

Packing an emergency kit can be as simple as grabbing a few extra items next time you are at the supermarket to put in your kit.

Pack an emergency kit with essentials that can last you a minimum of three to seven days in case you lose power or gas, do not have access to clean water or cannot access shops.

Pack enough supplies in your kit for every member of your family. Keep your kit in a waterproof container in an accessible location. Check your kit every season to make sure supplies are fresh and safe to use.

Examples of items to include in your kit:

• Food and water for up to seven days. Include non-perishable food, can-opener, gas stove, cutlery and plates.
• Self-powered items including a torch, portable phone charger, power bank and a battery powered AM/FM radio with spare batteries.
• Medical and personal items including a first aid kit, medications and prescriptions, gloves and clothing, toiletries.
• Important documents including identification and insurance documents.
• Pet supplies.

Find out more about packing an emergency kit.

For non life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance - such as help with a damaged roof or storm damage -,

• download the SES Assistance QLD app for iOS and Android devices,
• visit 132500.qld.gov.au, or
• phone 132 500.

For assistance with a life-threatening situation phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.