Stocking fillers may be lifesavers this holiday season

Queenslanders are being urged to review their emergency and evacuation plans with their families in the lead up to the holiday season.

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts joined forces today to promote the important “be prepared” message as Queensland’s season of storms, lightning, cyclones, floods, heatwaves and even bushfires looms.

“Why not make emergency preparations a family affair, even look out for nifty emergency essentials as presents this year,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“A radio and batteries might be the perfect stocking filler, or why not make sure the children have their own torch,” she said.

Because emergency events are often usually swift and disastrous, Mr Roberts called for Queenslanders to be prepared.

“Does your family know the strongest room in the home?” he asked.

“With Christmas preparations about to get into full swing, there are a number of simple things homeowners can do - clean out gutters and trim overhanging branches, remove garden furniture and loose items from your yard, and have a torch and battery-operated radio handy.”

Mr Roberts said Queenslanders who were travelling these Christmas holidays should know their exact address when away from home in case they need to call 000 in an emergency.

“It may sound obvious, but in an emergency people are upset and can easily forget the address of a holiday home. It is a good idea when you have the address written next to the phone just in case," Mr Roberts said.

At all times
• Keep a laminated list of your medications at home and in another location (eg with a family member or pharmacist);
• Formulate contingency plans, including an evacuation plan, with family;
• Check with electricity supplier;
• Generators should be regularly checked by an electrician;
• Check with your local council to see what services they may have to assist you;
• Make sure your street number is clearly identifiable day and night;
• Keep your yard and house clear if you are in a cyclone or bushfire area;
• Prepare a first-aid kit and an emergency kit relevant to disasters in your area;
• Collect information on local disasters by asking neighbours, the SES and local council about what to expect and the appropriate action to take;
• If you have a pet, seek local advice on how to care of it in a disaster;
• Ask for assistance – people are there to help.

When an event threatens
• Stock emergency supplies including food and water well beforehand;
• Stock up on supplies of medications;
• Charge your mobile phone, fuel your car;
• Secure important documents, valuables and mementos to survive the disaster (eg in a plastic bag if it’s a flood or cyclone);
• Secure your house; for example tape windows for a cyclone, turn off electricity and unplug appliances in an electrical storm;
• Phone an “out of town” relative or friend to let them know where you are likely to be.

If an event occurs
• The SES 132 500 Hotline will put you in touch with the nearest SES headquarters;
• If you need emergency help, phone 000;
• Keep an emergency information list by your phone – list each resident of the house, their date of birth, medications and allergies, doctor’s name and phone number. Also list your electricity and gas suppliers and person to contact in an emergency;
• Listen to your radio for updates;
• Stay inside while it is safe to do so;
• If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately – turn off power and gas and unplug appliances and take documents with you.

Other useful information is online at www.disaster.qld.gov.au

Media contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 07 3235 4280, Minister Roberts’ Office 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350