Now’s The Time To Get Prepared By Councillor Anne Baker

Being prepared at home can make all the difference if faced with a storm, fire or flood event. 

Disaster preparedness starts with a conversation – and on Saturday at Caneland Central, I had the opportunity to help get those conversations going. 

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As part of Get Ready Queensland Week, I joined the team handing out disaster preparedness packages and encouraging residents to think about how ready their households would be if severe weather came our way.

Here in the Mackay region, we know that storms, cyclones and flooding and or fire can disrupt our lives. We cannot control the weather, but we can take practical steps now to help protect ourselves, our families and our neighbours.

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The packages are a useful starting point, but the real value comes from taking them home, reading the information and putting a plan into action.

Think about what your household would need if the power went out or you were unable to get to the shops. Drinking water, non-perishable food, a torch, batteries, essential medication and copies of important documents are all things to consider. Remember to plan for your pets, too.

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Have a conversation with your family about how you would stay in touch, where you would go if you needed to leave home and who might need an extra hand.

Preparedness is also about looking out for one another. An older neighbour, someone living alone or a person with limited mobility may appreciate help checking supplies or understanding their options.

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Council and emergency services have important roles in disaster management, and household preparation helps support that work. Taking responsibility for the things we can do now puts our whole community in a stronger position.

Thank you to everyone who stopped for a chat on Saturday, and to the staff and volunteers helping our region prepare.

My encouragement is simple: take a little time this week to check your supplies, talk through your plan and make sure you know where to find official warnings and updates.

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A little preparation can make a big difference when it matters most.

If you’d like to catch up with your Mackay region councillors in person, then come along to a Let’s Chat – Council Connect session.  The next one is at the Calen and District War Memorial Hall on November 3 from 5pm to 6pm.

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