Council urges residents to be disaster ready
Date published: 19 August 2019
Townsville City Council has a new and improved free community event to help residents prepare for natural disasters ahead of the wet season.
Council has rebranded Cyclone Sunday to Disaster Ready Day after hearing recommendations following the unprecedented monsoon.
Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chair Councillor Kurt Rehbein said it was essential to educate the community on the broad range of severe weather events that threaten the Townsville region.
“Previously Council has focused more on how to prepare and cope with the impacts of cyclones on the region during the storm season,” Cr Rehbein said.
“We have implemented the recommendations from the Inspector General of Emergency Management (IGEM) review to put a greater emphasis on all disasters that the region may face during this period.”
Cr Rehbein said the event was a must-have day out for anyone living in Townsville.
“The free event will focus on educating the community on how to best keep themselves and their homes safe in the chance of a disaster,” Cr Rehbein said.
“The community will have access to key information and advice from disaster management personnel and key agencies on how to plan, prepare and increase their resilience to a disaster.
“They’ll also be able to get information on storm tide evacuation zones, learn about flood mapping and get their important documents scanned for their emergency kits.”
Cr Rehbein said Disaster Ready Day provided an opportunity for local businesses and organisations to be part of the push for greater awareness about the range of disasters in the Townsville region.
Food vendors and exhibitors interested in taking part in Disaster Ready Day this November can visit Townsville City Council’s website to register.
Disaster Ready Day will be held at Jezzine Barracks on Sunday 3 November from 9am to midday.
