After a third consecutive La Niña was declared earlier this year, and with summer fast approaching, we can expect wetter conditions and an increased risk of natural disasters.
And while we hope disaster doesn’t strike, it is imperative Gold Coasters are educated and prepared in case an emergency situation does occur this storm season.
Natural disasters and emergency events can happen anywhere, anytime, so being prepared with an up-to-date emergency plan and emergency kit before a disaster hits could be the difference between staying safe or putting yourself and those you love in danger.
Watch the video below to find out how you and your family can prepare this storm season.
An emergency kit is essential, and should include everything you and your family would need to survive if you lost access to drinking water, power, the internet and other services for up to three days.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, most items in an emergency kit can be found around the house.
Some important items to include are:
- torch with spare batteries
- battery pack or solar powered phone charger
- important documents saved in a waterproof bag or saved to a USB
- emergency contact numbers
- basic first aid kit
- bottles of water
- non perishable food
Certain items will need to be packed into your emergency kit last minute, such as:
- medication
- toiletries
- change of clothes
- money
- house keys
- phone
A severe storm, flood or bushfire could happen at any time so having an emergency and evacuation plan can also help buffer the impacts of a natural disaster on you and your family. Some questions to consider when putting together your plan include:
- What are the potential hazards that could occur in your local area?
- How would you would cope without power, access to services and the internet for up to three days?
- Where would you meet your household members if you were separated?
- How would you get your children from school or childcare?
- Who might you need to contact in a natural disaster or emergency event including family, friends, insurance and emergency services?
- Do all household members know where, how and when to turn off the power, water and gas supplies in case of evacuation?
- Are important policies and documents (insurances, wills) are up-to-date?
- Do your children know how and when to dial Triple Zero (000)?
- Do you have an evacuation plan?
For information during a serious weather event or disaster and to subscribe to alerts related to severe weather events, visit the City Disaster and Emergency Dashboard.
To find out more about preparing an emergency kit and evacuation plan, visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/getready.
