Redlands mayor urges residents to have a fire action plan despite forecast of rain this week
Rain might be forecast for this week but that has not dampened efforts to protect the Redlands Coast from fire, with residents now urged to make sure they have their emergency plan ready to go.
Redlands Coast
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AS a swag of bushfire protection measures hover over the tinder dry Redlands Coast, residents are being urged to prepare for the worst despite the forecast of rain.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said devastating bushfire emergencies across parts of the country were powerful reminders for local householders of the importance of having an emergency plan in place.
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She said authorities across the region — which includes bushland areas of Mount Cotton and Redland Bay — were on watch should bushfire threats arise.
“All QFES (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) and rural fire stations on Redlands Coast remain fully prepared,” Cr Williams said.
Cr Williams said the council’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre was also prepared for immediate action and the council’s Disaster Planning and Operations Team was maintaining a watching brief on current conditions and received daily briefings from the State Disaster Coordination Centre.
The action comes as people from across Queensland join in Quest Community News’ campaign to send their messages of love, support and thanks to fire fighters and those already affected by devastating fires around Australia.
While the drought-stricken Redlands Coast had so far avoided infernos such as those gripping much of New South Wales, one of the worst fire seasons the country has experienced — which has claimed the lives of at least 27 people nationally — could press on in Queensland until the end of summer.
However, rainfall predicted for the remainder of the week could bring a welcome change to the parched southeast.
Along with much of Queensland, rain is predicted for the region this week.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology showers are expected from today through until Monday.
Today and Wednesday are expected to be the best chances of rain, with a 95 per cent chance of showers today and an 80 per cent chance tomorrow.
However Cr Williams said it was still vital the region was bushfire ready.
“Emergencies can happen fast and can be frightening and, at times, confusing,” Cr Williams said.
She said the council’s Disaster Management Plan for each suburb and island were available at disaster.redland.qld.gov.au.
More:
Strike teams on standby to protect Redlands as fires grip state
Hazard reduction burns for southeast Queensland island
Redlands fundraiser to help fire victims on ravaged Kangaroo Island
She said the region had also been well-prepared ahead of bushfire season following a series of prescribed burns at several locations.
“Council is well prepared, with conditions having allowed 28 prescribed burns in 2019 – an increase of approximately 65 per cent over 2018,” she said.
“Extensive maintenance work has continued across the city’s large network of trails in addition to new trail work at Lagoon Road, Russell Island and planning for further mainland fire trail infrastructure.
“Emergency response teams have also participated in several joint disaster rehearsal exercises designed to help ensure complete readiness.”
Cr Williams said that while council and emergency agencies had been working to prepare the city, it was important everyone took steps now to prepare themselves and their properties.
“I urge everyone to do so, also as a mark of respect for those who stand ready to help us when we need them,” she said.
“You and your family will feel safer and more confident if you have prepared, rehearsed and planned.”
She asked locals to consider what their best evacuation route would be in an emergency, how to best secure and evacuate pets, and to have emergency kits on standby that contain important documents, medical prescriptions and essential contact details.
She also asked people to remove fire fuel from places like gutters and back yards and find out how to help neighbours in an emergency.
Be prepared for fires with these simple steps to do today
● Create an emergency evacuation kit
● Have a plan for what you would do and where you would go in an emergency
● Get to know who your neighbours are so you can be a source of support for each other during emergencies
● There is great advice about preparing at Council’s dedicated disaster management website: disaster.redland.qld.gov.au
● Also keep an eye on Council’s social media – Facebook and Twitter: you don’t need an account
Additional information for fire preparation:
● Keep grass and undergrowth trimmed
● Rake up and reduce leaf litter and overgrown shrubs
● Remove branches overhanging buildings and leaf litter from roofs and gutters
● Store fuels and chemicals away from dwellings
● Move woodpiles away from buildings
● Seal gaps, vents and roof spaces to prevent embers from entering a building
● Display house numbers clearly and provide access for fire trucks
Do you have a local story? Email editorial@redlandscommunitynews.com.au
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