Stay informed and take action to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Disasters can strike at any time, so it's essential to know what steps to take.

Steps to take during a disaster

When an emergency happens, follow these important steps:

• Stay informed – Monitor official sources, including local government updates, radio, and emergency alerts.
• Follow evacuation orders – If authorities issue an evacuation, leave immediately and head to the designated safe location.
• Have an emergency kit ready – Ensure you have food, water, medications, important documents, and other essentials.
• Check on others – Help vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family members who may need assistance.
• Remain calm and listen to emergency services – Cooperation can help save lives and keep everyone safe.

Useful Links

• Queensland Government - Disasters and Alerts
• Queensland Fire Department
  • Bushfire Incident map
  • Bushfire Newsroom
• Get Ready Queensland

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What to do during different disasters

Flood

• If it’s flooded, forget it! Never drive through floodwater.

  • Most flood fatalities occur in minor or moderate floods from people attempting to cross a flooded road, most often when they are trying to make their way home.

  • A car can be moved by as little as 15cm of fast flowing water.

  • Find out why your car can’t protect you from floodwater.

• Avoid walking, swimming or playing in floodwater. Avoid drains and culverts.

• For non-life threatening flood emergency assistance, where your house is flooded or about to flood, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500, or request assistance via the SES Assistance QLD app.

Bushfire

• Follow the current bushfire warning and instructions which will be available on the Southern Downs Disaster Dashboard.
• If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it now.
•  Do not expect a firefighter at your door – there are not enough crews to assist every home.

Severe Storm

• Park vehicles under cover. If outside, find shelter away from trees, power lines and metal structures. Once inside, stay away from windows and disconnect electrical appliances.
• For non-life threatening storm emergency assistance, such as trees falling on your roof or driveway, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500, or request assistance via the SES Assistance QLD app.
• Stay away from fallen power lines and immediately report them to Energex on 13 19 62.
• If you have solar panels, they will continue to produce electricity even if the mains power has been disconnected. Assume the system is live and stay away – follow Energex’s advice on their solar power and battery storage safety webpage.

Heatwave

• Stay cool by turning the air conditioner on or going somewhere that has air conditioning like a shopping centre and drink water regularly (even if you do not feel thirsty). Find out more on the Queensland Government’s heatwave safety webpage.
• Be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illness. Check on people who may be more at risk of heat-related illness including the elderly, babies and very young children and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

 

 

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