Talk to your Council and the SES

 

Ask your Council and the SES support your community in emergencies

Most Queensland local councils proactively plan to reduce the impact on the community from disaster events such as cyclones, storm surges, floods, and bushfires. The Queensland Disaster Management Act 2003 sets out the responsibilities of Local Governments during disasters. Most councils have a local disaster management group, which coordinates local and acquired external resources to provide essential assistance to the community in response to an event.

Ask your local council if you can access the Disaster Management Plan and Operational Plan for use in the event of a disaster to enable communities to prepare, respond, and recover. Ask council for information about Evacuation Zones and Evacuation Routes for your area. 

As an example, you can access the Mackay Regional Council Emergency Action Guide, which provides essential information about what to do before, during, and after sever weather.

If you would like additional information on how evacuation notices are provided, contact your local State Emergency Service (SES). The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather condition, such as a cyclone that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many emergencies allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

If you don't own a car, make transportation arrangements with friends or neighbours. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. Don't be tempted to take a short cut in the belief that you'll save time; follow recommended evacuation routes. Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Call your out-of-area contact identified in your Emergency Plan and let them know where you are evacuating to, in case you lose touch with other family members.  

Each of the local councils throughout Queensland has a disaster management plan, which is a legislative requirement of Council under Section 57 of the Queensland Disaster Management Act 2003. Disaster Management Planning Guidelines were issued to all Local Governments in 2005, to assist with planning for disasters.

The Local Disaster Management Groups manage the response to a disaster at a local level. During responses to disasters the group will operate a Disaster Information Service through local radio and council website, to provide emergency details locals and families outside of the council area. Review your local evacuation zones and nominated evacuation routes.

The SES forms a part of Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ), a Division of the Queensland Government's Department of Community Safety (DCS).

An important partnership between State Government and local government authorities enables the SES and its volunteers to provide emergency assistance to local communities.

The Queensland SES responds at local and national levels to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies including emergency response to help those affected by cyclones, storms, and floods. You can call the SES on 1325 00 for assistance if your roof has been damaged during a storm, if you fear rising floodwaters, if trees have fallen on and damaged buildings. For all life-threatening emergencies call Triple 000.