By JOLENE OGLE
IT’S TIME for Noosa to get ready as emergency service workers urge locals to be prepared for this severe weather season.
Noosa Fire and Rescue Inspector and Area Commander Rob Frey said it’s important to be aware of the hazards the local community could face.
“It’s evident with the out of control bushfire (in Sunrise Beach) – our bushfire season goes through and then, all of a sudden, we can be in a severe weather system,” he said.
“It can be a bushfire one day and a day later it starts to rain and we can go from a severe bushfire emergency to a natural disaster storm emergency.”
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes said the state government has been working hard to create storm safe initiatives to help locals be prepared.
“In a place like Noosa, floods, fire and storm damage are all major issues we face as a community,” he said.
“Where we have great support from local emergency services and council, the state government is making things available to each and every person to help in that personal evacuation plan.”
The new initiatives include a yellow slap-band that features a USB stick, where personal and important information can be stored and taken with you in the event of an emergency.
The USB bands are available from Mr Elmes’ office, Noosa Council office and the Tourism Noosa Visitor Centre on Hastings St, Noosa Heads.
The State Government has also created a household evacuation plan guide, which is available online at www.qld.gov.au.
Mr Elmes said the most important thing to remember was to listen to emergency service instructions in the event of an emergency.
“Don’t sit there for too long. If you have someone in a uniform come and tell you it’s time to move ladies and gentlemen… it’s time to move!” he said.
Deputy Mayor and chair of council’s Local Disaster Management Group, Bob Abbot, said it was unfortunate the severe weather season coincides with peak holiday periods such as Christmas holidays and Easter.
Tourism Noosa, Noosa Council and the Queensland Government have teamed up to make sure local accommodation and tourism venues are also ready for severe summer weather with new Get Ready Noosa Packs.
The packs contain important information, advice and contact details to help managers of resorts, hotels, motels, caravan parks and backpacker hostels to prepare their businesses before a disaster strikes.
The packs will also help managers to assess potential impacts and determine how best to ensure their guests are safe.
An animated educational video has also been created by flexible learning students, LMOX Design Studios and ProDocs and is aimed at youths to help prepare for and survive a disaster.
The video will be used in local schools and by community groups and will be posted to Council’s website and Facebook page.
