Key organisations encourage NQ to begin preparations now for future severe weather
As the threat of cyclones looms large, North Queenslanders should start preparing their houses, pets, and insurance for future severe weather. Read the important advice.
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North Queenslanders should begin preparing their houses, pets, and insurance now for future severe weather, as the Bureau of Meteorology warns that we’re only halfway through the cyclone season, and the “risk remains” over the coming months.
Senior meteorologist for the Bureau of Meteorology Angus Hines said it had been a “pretty quiet” start to the tropical cyclone season, but historically, at least one tropical cyclone has crossed the Australian coastline over the past 25 years.
“It’s always a risk. It’s always an imminent threat for those northern parts of the country, even though it’s been fairly quiet so far, certainly could ramp up in the second half of the season,” Mr Hines said.
“We’re likely to see further tropical lows, and … significant lows, which do threaten to develop into tropical cyclones, and some of which are pretty likely to move towards Australia.”
The State Emergency Service (SES) said it was everyone’s responsibility to prepare themselves, their family and their home for the next emergency – saving time and minimising damage to property.
They recommend making an emergency kit and plan and preparing properties by checking the roof, keeping gutters and downpipes clear, trimming overhanging trees and branches, checking and fixing any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations, and loose fittings.
Master Plumbers Association Queensland chief executive Penny Cornah said issues such as flooding, pipe breakages and blockages were extremely common over storm periods and often overlooked and forgotten until they caused severe damage and cost homeowners.
Residents should check in with their neighbours, know where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power, and gas, and to make a plan for medical equipment if the power was cut.
The SES also recommends contacting the council or power company about trees threatening property or power lines, to identify the strongest room in your home to shelter in during storms and cyclones, and to check their insurance was up to date with suitable coverage
Sure Insurance managing director Bradley Heath appealed to North Queenslanders to “check their current home building and contents sum-insured as it’s critically important to avoid underinsurance and have in place sufficient financial capacity to completely rebuild their home and replace the entire contents should a total loss occur”.
Preparing pets and livestock was another important consideration, with the co-owner of the soon-to-open North Queensland Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency (NQ Care) 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital Dr Taleta Hompas offering some handy tips.
Owners should pack their pet’s emergency kit “grab-and-go bag” containing a “few days’ worth of food, water, any medication they need, a sturdy leash or carrier, and maybe a favourite blanket or toy for comforter”.
“Don’t forget to double-check that your pet’s ID tags and microchip details are up-to-date – in case you get separated,” Dr Hompas said.
“Choose a secure spot in your home for your pets to shelter if the weather gets rough. Somewhere away from windows works best and keep their emergency kit nearby to keep things as calm and comfortable as possible.
“If you’d need to leave home, know in advance where you can take your pets. Check which nearby evacuation centres or accommodations allow animals, so you’re not left scrambling.”
She said it was important to check that the yard was secure, watch for stress signals, stay informed, and know how to get to the nearest veterinary hospital in case of emergency.
For more information, visit: www.ses.qld.gov.au/cyclone.
The 12 Days of Christmas (North Queensland Pet Safety Edition)
(Sing to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas”)
On the first day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
A cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Six macadamias falling,
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Seven grape-filled puddings,
Six macadamias falling,
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Eight poinsettias blooming,
Seven grape-filled puddings,
Six macadamias falling,
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Nine BBQ scraps a-tempting,
Eight poinsettias blooming,
Seven grape-filled puddings,
Six macadamias falling,
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Ten mango seeds blocking,
Nine BBQ scraps a-tempting,
Eight poinsettias blooming,
Seven grape-filled puddings,
Six macadamias falling,
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Eleven storms a-stressing,
Ten mango seeds blocking,
Nine BBQ scraps a-tempting,
Eight poinsettias blooming,
Seven grape-filled puddings,
Six macadamias falling,
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love said to me:
Twelve backyard hazards,
Eleven storms a-stressing,
Ten mango seeds blocking,
Nine BBQ scraps a-tempting,
Eight poinsettias blooming,
Seven grape-filled puddings,
Six macadamias falling,
Five heat-stressed pets!
Four hot pavements,
Three chocolate Santas,
Two brown snakes slithering,
And a cane toad lurking near the Christmas tree.
Originally published as Key organisations encourage NQ to begin preparations now for future severe weather
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