By 96five Tuesday 11 Oct 202296five BreakfastNewsReading Time: 3 minutes
Be prepared for natural disasters – that’s the message during Get Ready Queensland Week (10-16 October), which launched at Nundah State School.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles has called on every Queenslander to use this week to get ready for disaster season.
“From flooding and cyclones to bushfires, heatwaves and giant hail, we experience it all in Queensland, and we need to prepare for it all,” Mr Miles said. “We’re the most disaster impacted state in Australia, and the latest BOM forecast signals more rough weather is on the way.
“That’s why Get Ready Queensland Week holds such significance this year. This is a call for all Queenslanders – it’s vital you and your loved ones are ready for the upcoming disaster season.
“We’re still recovering from one of our toughest summers ever, and we’re going to need every ounce of that renowned Queensland resilience as we go forward,” he said.
Tony Auden, meteorologist with 7NEWS told 96five’s Ken & Nicky that people should know their risks, and start to think about how to prepare for any possible disasters.
“Just think about what you need to do, know your emergency plan and pack an emergency kit.
“Now is the time to think about all of that before we have to deal with an event.
“La Nina means that we have warmer than normal water closer to Australia, than out in the Pacific Ocean. Cyclones feed off warm water so there’s more fuel and we expect those cyclones to be more likely to form.
“We haven’t had a big one for a few years and cyclones can be things that fall off people’s radars, so it’s best to be wary that we could get something this cyclone season.”
Deputy Premier Steven Miles and rugby league legend Jonathan Thurston launch Get Ready Queensland Week (supplied).
Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston said there are basic things Queenslanders can do now to ensure they are well prepared ahead of storm season.
“Just grabbing a few extra items next time you’re at the shops is all it takes to stock an emergency kit, to help keep you and your family safe at home,” Mr Thurston said.
“No matter where you live in Queensland you are at risk from extreme weather, so it’s important to know what you might face and ways you can stay safe when the time comes.
“Don’t miss this window of opportunity to Get Ready, Queensland.”
What can you do to prepare for severe weather? Join our Severe Weather long-range forecast webinar for an in-depth look at what the weather might have in store for Queensland over the next few months #GetReadyQld Register now: https://t.co/kWzI7bApy0 pic.twitter.com/ERuEtNri2g
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) October 11, 2022
Laura Boekel from the Bureau of Meteorology said Queenslanders should stay up to date with the latest forecast and warnings on the bureau’s website or the BOM Weather app.
“There is an increased risk of widespread flooding for eastern and northern Australia for the coming severe weather season,” Miss Boekel said.
“While severe weather can occur at any time of the year, October to April is the peak time for flooding, tropical cyclones, heatwaves, bushfires and severe thunderstorms. It is important to know your weather and know your risk – so you’re ready to act and stay safe.
“Queenslanders and all Australians should follow all advice from your local emergency services on what to do before, during and after severe weather,” she said.
“Download the BOM Weather app to set alert notifications for warnings and visit the bureau’s website, www.bom.gov.au, to be better prepared for severe weather.”
Get Ready Queensland is a year-round, all-hazards, resilience building initiative to help communities prepare for natural disasters.
For more information on Get Ready Queensland visit getready.qld.gov.au.