Every location has its negatives, and in the beautiful Whitsundays, those come in the form of storm season running from November to April each year.
Tropical cyclones are a fact of life in the region when the gorgeous beaches and sunny skies turn dark and cloudy, and now is the month for residents to begin natural disaster preparedness according to Whitsunday Regional Council’s Disaster Management Coordinator, Sandra Black
“Now is as good a time as any; a time before we all start breaking for Christmas,” Ms Black said.
“The last things we want to be doing once our family arrives and we take on a holiday mode is pack up a house. It’s time to look over these things this month before we relax within that Christmas break.”
Ms Black said, for every household, the best place to start is with the basic of ensuring your gutters are cleaned, because storm season doesn’t always mean tropical cyclones, it can also mean inclement, severe rain and wind.
“Things like making sure before the season that your outside area is cleared of items that could become projectiles are great first steps,” Ms Black said.
“And in terms of purchases or items, generators, and batteries as well as an emergency kit are integral. Emergency kits include things like non-perishable foods for four to six days, first aid kits, batteries for radios – items you’ll find when you’re going camping.”
As well, the importance of familiarising yourself with storm season information is key. More information is always available at Council’s ‘Cyclone Sunday’ events, which will be hosted in Airlie Beach on November 27 at the Airlie Beach Foreshore and at Bowen Markets on November 20.
“The Whitsundays is very transient, so many people in the area who are not used to this weather and have never been in a cyclone before,” Ms Black said.
“These events are pivotal to getting the information out there about how warning systems work, how we can look after our households, our families.”
Ms Black said templates of Emergency Plans were available within Council’s Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard, as well as its customer service desks.
“The plans are good to complete with your family; get the kids involved and let them be part of it,” she said.
“I find at home, if I was ever getting ready, I would get my daughter to look after the animals with water, food. It gives them a job to do when you might be concentrating on other stuff. Let the whole family including kids be involved with little jobs.”
More information is available at both the Council website as well as the two community events on November 20 and 27.
WHAT: Cyclone Sunday (preparedness event)
BOWEN: Bowen Market, November 20
AIRLIE: Airlie Beach Markets, November 27
