Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is urging residents to make all necessary preparations for the current bushfire season and the looming storm season by understanding their disaster risk, making a plan and packing an emergency kit.
The advice comes ahead of Queensland's annual Get Ready Week, from October 6-12, which is an initiative that is designed to help communities prepare for extreme weather and natural disasters.
TRC Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair, Cr Geoff McDonald, said it was important for residents to heed Get Ready Week's vital messages.
"Preparing for disasters saves lives. When a natural disaster or extreme weather event strikes, every minute counts - people need to act quickly to stay safe," Mayor McDonald said.
"It's crucial that residents are ready by knowing their risk, have a plan and an emergency kit ready to go. A few simple steps now can help to safeguard your family and property before a disaster occurs.
"Our community knows all too well how quickly disasters can hit. Council has a Local Disaster Management Plan (LDMP) ready for when disasters strike, and Get Ready Week is about ensuring every household has an individual plan too.
"It is important for residents to be fully informed about the best precautions they can take and how they will respond in an emergency.
"There are free resources which residents can access to ensure they are prepared for extreme weather, including Council's Disaster Dashboard and the Queensland Government's Get Ready website."
The Toowoomba Region is highly likely to experience bushfires, severe storms, floods and heatwaves, given the right conditions, so residents need to anticipate what could happen and be aware that the situation can change quickly.
The Queensland Fire Department has imposed a local fire ban for southern Queensland, incorporating the Toowoomba Region, that is due to remain in force until midnight tonight (Friday 3 October).
The Toowoomba Region experienced widespread flooding in 2022, three bushfires resulting in evacuations during the Southern Queensland Bushfires in 2023-2024, and the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March this year.
"I encourage residents to take this week to prepare, because preparation is the key to building disaster resilience in our community," Mayor McDonald said.
To find out how you can prepare your home, family, and community please visit: www.getready.qld.gov.au
In a life-threatening emergency call 000 (triple zero) and for emergency flood or storm assistance, call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.
