Stock up for wet / cyclone season now!

People living in rural or remote areas of the Tablelands region are being strongly urged to stock up on food, fuel and other essential items now in readiness for the oncoming wet/storm season.

With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting that there is a high chance the region will receive above median rainfall during October to December, residents are advised to act now to ensure they have adequate supplies to sustain them in the event that flooding occurs and roads are cut.

Residents living in urban and rural areas should have at least one week's supplies, while people living in more remote areas should have at least one month's supplies or more if possible.

People should consider their needs in terms of water, fuel, non perishable food, medications and pet food.

Tablelands Local Disaster Management Group Chairman and Tablelands Mayor Tom Gilmore said it was imperative people took action now before the wet season rain hit.

"The message is to be as prepared as you possibly can be for the season - everyone should have enough supplies to get them through for a short period of time at minimum, and for a week if they live in remote areas," he said.

"As we witnessed earlier this year, disasters can and do happen during the wet season.

"Should the worse case scenario occur, authorities will be busy tending to those who are in the most desperate of situations, so we ask all residents to ensure they have adequate supplies to sustain them.

"This is the perfect time to check your emergency kit and refresh any items that need to be replaced; check your alternative cooking facilities to ensure they are in good working order; and make sure you have adequate fuel for generators if they're needed.

"Rainfall events can be very significant in our part of the world - don’t wait until it's too late and the road or bridge has been cut - stock up now because the better prepared you are, the better you and your property will weather the storm."

Earlier this year, the LDMG sent out a survey form to remote properties in a bid to ascertain details of their properties, all contacts including radio call signs, and other relevant information and is asking anyone who has not returned the form to do so now.

"The survey is aimed at providing us with all the information we need about that property - how many people reside there, do they have any special needs, things of that nature - and also, the different means of communication we may have to use to get in touch them after an event to determine their status," Cr Gilmore said.

If anyone has not received a form, they should contact 1300 362 242 and one will be mailed to them. The survey form can also be obtained from Council's website, www.trc.qld.gov.au

The following list contains items that should be considered in emergency preparation plans.

Water

• Store water in clean and safe plastic containers.
• Each person will need a minimum of five litres of water per day to allow for drinking, food preparation and personal sanitation; 10 litres would be preferable. Remember that following a cyclone or flood it is likely to be extremely hot and humid requiring a high level of fluid intake.
• If you live in an area with a town water supply, plan to have at least a three day supply of water for each member of the family. If in a remote area, one week's supply or more may be necessary.

Food

• Store at least a week's supply of non-perishable foods.
• Choose foods that don't require refrigeration, can be eaten without preparation or cooking, require minimal water and have reasonable shelf life.
• Choose compact and light products just in case you need to evacuate.
• Ensure cooking facilities such as a gas BBQ, and gas/fuel/spirit camping stove are available for use.
• Include the following foods in your kit:
• Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk and soups.
• Staples such as sugar, pepper, salt and high energy foods such as peanut butter, honey, jams, biscuits and muesli bars
• Vitamins
• Food for babies, children, elderly persons or any special dietary requirements
• Comfort foods such as biscuits, lollies, cereals, milo, coffee and tea

A First aid kit

Tools and supplies

• Plates, bowls, cups, knives and forks (paper or plastic plates and utensils do not require washing up)
• Battery operated radio and spare batteries
• Battery operated torches
• Cash
• Non-electric can opener
• Utility knife
• Toilet paper/towlettes
• Soap/detergent
• Personal hygiene items
• Duct and masking tape
• Matches in waterproof container
• Disinfectant
• Mobile phone and charger
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Pliers, screwdrivers, drills, wrenches, spanners, bolts, screws and nails for temporary repairs
• Ropes, chains and pickets for securing outdoors items such as boats and garden sheds
• Extension cords and power boards
• Non-electric clock
• Plastic sheeting or tarps

Special items

• Baby needs such as nappies and bottles
• Medications
• Contact lenses or prescription glasses
• Important family documents in a waterproof container:
  Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  Passports and immunisation records
  Bank account and credit card numbers
  Inventory of household contents
  Important telephone numbers and contact details
  Family records such as birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates.

• Fuel for vehicles and generators
• Pet food and supplies
• Entertainment for the family such as games, books and puzzles.