Editorial: Time to prepare for storms is now

Mother Nature has given Queenslanders a harsh reminder of how volatile our summers can be and why we all need to be prepared, writes the editor.

Mother Nature has given Queenslanders a harsh reminder of how volatile our summers can be and why we all need to be prepared.

The deadly storm that hit the Gold Coast on Christmas night was the equivalent of a category 2 cyclone and left a trail of destruction across multiple suburbs.

It was the kind of storm that comes literally out of the blue and, unfortunately, weather experts warn there are more to come.

Then there were more deaths when a further stormfront lashed the Greater Brisbane area on Boxing Day.

They say there are “perfect” atmospheric conditions for flash storms right into February.

Queenslanders had been expecting a hot, dry summer thanks to El Nino being declared.

Since then, Cyclone Jasper has smashed into Far North Queensland, leaving a trail of devastating floods in its wake, and South East Queensland has experienced wild storms on an almost nightly basis.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises all households to be prepared – including having an emergency kit, keeping the roof in good condition and trimming any trees and branches that overhang your home.

Loose items around the house, yard or balcony should also be secured.

These are simple tasks that can make all the difference in a storm emergency.

Our emergency services personnel are the best in the business, but preventing a dangerous situation from happening in the first place is better.

They put their lives on the line to reach Queenslanders in trouble during the worst conditions.

The least we can do is take the threat seriously each summer and get our houses in order.

More than 120,000 households were without power yesterday afternoon.

Many of those households face the prospect of being without electricity for days.

It has been the same in Far North Queensland, where the post-cyclone clean-up operation is still under way in some areas.

It’s clear this summer of wild weather will have wider implications.

The prospect of building delays – adding to already difficult construction conditions – is on the horizon, as well as the possibility of higher insurance premiums.

Tourism operators are still reporting mass cancellations – even in regions hundreds of kilometres south of where Cyclone Jasper made landfall.

But this is a state that bounces back quickly from adversity as people unite in times of need.

Many Queenslanders have just endured the worst Christmas period of their lives.

It is time to dig deep and help in any way possible.

People are already opening their homes to family, friends and neighbours who have lost everything.

Far North Queensland’s version of the “mud army” has been out in force, cleaning up the streets to get back to normality.

The same will happen on the Gold Coast in the coming days.

This is Queensland, and with it comes wild weather.

Being prepared is the key – but being willing to roll up your sleeves and help others is when the Queensland spirit really shines through.

BOLD WARNIE LEAVES LASTING LEGACY

Shane Warne’s death shocked the nation – but his family’s decision to honour his legacy through a massive campaign to combat heart disease has given his tragic passing some positive meaning.

Next year, Warne’s family and close friends hope to provide 500,000 Australians with free heart tests.

It’s an extraordinary goal, but if achieved, it will make a huge difference to the lives of many.

Heart disease is a silent killer and can strike at any age, regardless of a person’s fitness level or family history.

Warne was just 52.

The self-serve tests take just four minutes and measure blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index and diabetes risk.

World-renowned cardiologist Stephen Nicholls says the tests will be life-saving and life-changing.

“Hopefully, from the coverage and promotion, it will encourage many more to seek out ways to find out their blood pressure, whether it is their GP or pharmacists or other ways,” he said.

Warne was a larger than life legend across the cricket world.

His family using his name to promote such a worthy cause can only be a good thing.

Almost 1.4 million Australians will experience a cardiovascular disease event between 2020 and 2029, costing billions of dollars to the economy.

Professor Nicholls believes we can reduce that by 50 per cent.

Prevention is the key and everyone can spare just four minutes of their time.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here