Beaudesert’s emergency services leaders are urging residents to be prepared and proactive amid a soggy start to spring.
Beaudesert Police Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Adrian Burns said it was important to take personal responsibility.
“The Bureau of Meteorology modelling suggests a similar weather event to last year, and as we’re seeing increased rain, we want people prepare to be self-sufficient if they do get stranded within their own home,” he said.
“Make sure generators are working and have ample fuel, and stock up on long life milk, canned foods, pet food etc.
“If they’re considering evacuation, consider where they’re going, let someone know where they’ve gone so we know where they are, leave contact phone numbers.”
Beaudesert SES Group Leader Marg Brown urged people to prepare their properties to ease pressure on the small local volunteer-base.
“Make sure your gutters are cleaned out – we don’t do that. We only do temporary repairs, not permanent repairs. Go around the house and check your maintenance,” she said.
“We’re all volunteers, and in times of flood many of our members live in areas which get cut off, so we rely on just a small number of volunteers who live in Beaudesert. Know the number to call if you are in trouble, which is 132 500.”
Beaudesert Fire Captain Andy Rose said swift water rescue crews were kept busy rescuing motorists from floodwaters earlier this year and common sense could save lives.
“Our biggest thing is people driving into floodwaters, and there seems to be a lack of common sense especially when weather events hit us,” he said.
“People need to seek alternative routes and not drive through floodwaters. If you can’t see the road beneath the water, you don’t know there’s a road – the majority of vehicles recovered from floodwaters are actually 4WDs.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Murray said emergency services were ready to help.
“Be aware of the bigger picture but take confidence that if you need to evacuate, the police, fire service and SES will be there to let them know what’s going on and help.”
To keep up to date during disasters, visit http://disasterdashboard.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/
