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SES Regional Incident Management Training exercises held as disaster season approaches

As summer approaches, so does disaster season, prompting SES teams to undergo rigorous training to ensure they are fully prepared.

Area Controllers SES Northern Region John Forde and Paul Cannon.
Area Controllers SES Northern Region John Forde and Paul Cannon.

As summer approaches so too does the disaster season, and SES staff and volunteers are in the midst of conducting rigorous training exercises to ensure they’re prepared to help those in need.

SES Northern Region Area Controller Paul Cannon said it was important to be as prepared as possible, with SES members getting involved in mock scenarios responding to a cyclone threat.

“When we get a significant weather event one of the complexities is incident management,” he said.

“Exercising is good for identifying what we’ve got right, but also what we might not be quite right about that we have to get right before a real event.”

Mr Cannon said communication and planning was essential to ensuring smooth operations between common centre staff on those on the ground helping in cyclone, flood and bushfire situations across Northern Queensland.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Premier Steve Miles and Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill vist the temporary waste disposal site at Lou Lister Park after Cyclone Kirrily. The PM meets SES volunteers. Picture: Evan Morgan
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Premier Steve Miles and Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill vist the temporary waste disposal site at Lou Lister Park after Cyclone Kirrily. The PM meets SES volunteers. Picture: Evan Morgan

With more than 5000 volunteers across the state and roughly 120 of those based in Townsville, Mr Cannon said the SES worked well to assist other areas of Queensland and calling in reinforcements if needed.

“The initial response will be from the Townsville region and Burdekin units and then we’ll have incoming teams from Far Northern and Central regions,” he said.

Cyclone Kirrily Townsville 2024. Ergon Engery workers restore power in Flower Street, Railway Estate. Picture: Evan Morgan
Cyclone Kirrily Townsville 2024. Ergon Engery workers restore power in Flower Street, Railway Estate. Picture: Evan Morgan

In the lead up to disaster season the SES has advised residents to know the risks that could affect their property and have plans in place.

Mr Cannon said where you live and the type of house or residence you live in is important when understanding how to prepare for weather emergencies.

“It’s important to know whether you are in a storm tide zone, flooding zone or bushfire zones,” he said.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily Townsville 2024. The aftermath from severe tropical Cyclone Kirrily. Picture: Shae Beplate.
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily Townsville 2024. The aftermath from severe tropical Cyclone Kirrily. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Make sure to have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C and ensure you have an emergency kit ready to go to provide supplies for your family.”

Mr Cannon said it was important to always be alert, with conditions and weather systems often changing rapidly.

“While the severe weather season is generally from November 1 to April 30, the disaster season from my perspective is 365 days a year.”

“Evacuation is a complex thing and it’s not the decision you want to be making when there is water lapping at your feet.”

Tips for making an emergency plan include:

  • Researching suggested evacuation routes for where you live and work
  • Identifying what hazards and disasters could impact your home
  • Ensuring gutters and gardens are clean and maintained
  • Considering plans for pets and livestock
  • Plan shelter and identify the safest points in the house if in an emergency
  • Prepare an emergency kit
  • Update your contact details at work, school and childcare
  • Share your plan with family and friends
  • Practise and ensure enough supplies (water, food, batteries, torches, cooking equipment, medications, first aid kit etc.)
  • Have copies of important documents

The SES can be contacted on 132 500 from anywhere in Queensland for non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance during severe weather events. If the situation is life threatening, always call Triple Zero.

For more information visit the SES Queensland website.

Originally published as SES Regional Incident Management Training exercises held as disaster season approaches

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/ses-regional-incident-management-training-exercises-held-as-disaster-season-approaches/news-story/efcfeaab485a478fb7b57bdfd4d78a47