Mackay SES advise on how to be prepared and stay safe in wet weather

Mackay emergency services are locked and loaded with sandbags dispersed throughout the region in the event of flooding.

Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday SES crews are ready for any adverse or inclement weather. Picture: Zizi Averill

With flash floods wreaking havoc to the south, emergency services are locked and loaded for potential hazards in the Mackay region.

“We have all our sandbag stocks up to date, our sandbag machine is ready to go and we have stockpiles of sandbags all around the region,” Mackay State Emergency Service area controller Alex McPhee said.

Mackay itself was expected to get about 40mm of rain on Monday, with some of its neighbours preparing for a thrashing of more than 100mm.

Mackay SES area control manager Selina Neill said the service had not yet received any calls for help from the public in the Mackay, Whitsunday or Isaac region.

“But we are always prepared, particularly with our storm season still under way,” she said.

More stories:

Power lines down near Eton causes outage, traffic delays

LIST: Mackay Isaac Whitsunday road closures, hazards

Emergency services encouraged residents to be informed and prepared as well.

“Residents can get their own sandbags and build walls, there are educational videos about how to do it on the council site,” Mr McPhee said.

Residents can access the videos among other emergency management material online at the Mackay Council emergency dashboard.

“If they’re not confident in doing it themselves they can always call us,” Mr McPhee said.

“We have a lot of volunteers that can come and help prepare, but a lot have day jobs so it‘s good to get a bit of notice.”

Subscriber benefits:

How to activate your free Courier-Mail subscription

How to get Daily Mercury news straight to your inbox

Your dose of Harry Bruce cartoons

With the downpour bringing potential hazards, Mr McPhee advises residents to “stay out of flood waters and open drains”, with a particular warning for parents.

“Children love to play near drain openings. Make sure you keep the kids away from them in this weather,” Mr McPhee said.

If you require help in arranging sand bags for potential flooding, phone the SES on 132 500.

Originally published as Mackay SES advise on how to be prepared and stay safe in wet weather