Get ready during Get Ready Week

Get Ready Queensland Week is a timely reminder for Scenic Rim residents to prepare for the possibility of flooding, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting heavier than average rainfall in coming months.

Scenic Rim Local Disaster Management Group Chair Greg Christensen has urged residents to use Get Ready Queensland Week, from 12 to 18 October, to prepare a 'What If Plan' for potentially extreme weather conditions.

"Whether it’s the wet season, storm season or bushfire season, it is important that people take responsibility for their own preparedness and ensure they have a 'What If Plan' in place to ensure their safety and the safety of family members," he said.

"It is vitally important that residents are prepared and understand the potential for flooding in areas in which they live and work."

Cr Christensen said there are 1096 points throughout the Scenic Rim at which waterways intersect with Council's road network and that localised flooding can occur frequently across the region during extreme weather events.

"If you don't need to be out in these extreme conditions, stay off the roads and, if you must go out, slow down, stay alert and remember that if it's flooded, forget it," he said.

"As we consider the potential for flooding in coming months, it's a timely reminder not to walk, swim, or drive in flood water because you never know what’s lurking beneath or the condition of the road below.”

While community safety is paramount, Council does not have the resources to place signage at every road which might be closed due to flooding, so drivers need to take care and be mindful of their own safety and that of other road users.

"I encourage anyone who is new to the region to ask their neighbours which roads are prone to flooding so they can be prepared for that possibility,” Cr Christensen said.

"However, experience has shown us that no two floods are the same and that flooding can vary depending on the quantity, duration and location of rain falling on our catchments."

Many of the larger roads which are closed will be listed on Council's Disaster Dashboard, www.disasterdashboard.scenicrim.qld.gov.au which provides a central point of information about road conditions, weather warnings, power outages and whether an Evacuation Centre or Place of Refuge is open during an event. Scenic Rim residents can also phone 13 19 40 for details of road closures by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Council's Disaster Management Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ScenicRimAlerts also carries important messaging for the community during extreme weather events.

Cr Christensen urged Scenic Rim residents to use the current fine weather to prepare their homes to reduce the impact of flooding by clearing gutters and downpipes, checking the condition of their roof and trimming overhanging branches close to the house.

Residents in areas not considered at risk of flooding should also be aware that they may become isolated by flood waters, preventing them from reaching their home, school, local shops or workplace during extreme weather.

As well as preparing a household emergency plan, residents are advised to pack supplies sufficient to last three days and check their insurance coverage.

"I encourage members of the community to help prepare for what may be ahead by visiting the Disaster Preparedness section on Council's website www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au where they will find checklists and other tools to help them to get ready," Cr Christensen said.

"Council and other members of the Scenic Rim Local Disaster Management Group are always in an ongoing state of evaluation and preparedness for weather events and I am confident that, with the support of our partner agencies, we are well placed to respond to any impacts from flooding from the forecast La Nina.

"We have good processes in place and have continued to improve these based on learning from prior extreme weather events."