During a Disaster

In the event of a disaster or emergency, you need to:

• stay calm
• follow your prepared emergency plans
• tune into a local radio station to stay informed
• follow instructions from authorities promptly.

For detailed information on what to do in a specific event, please refer to the following pages:

STAY INFORMED

Information is the key to making the right decisions in an emergency. In the event of power outages, make sure you can receive information and warnings. To do this you might need:
• a battery-powered radio
• spare batteries
• a car-charger for your mobile phone.

EMERGENCY ALERT

Emergency Alert is the national telephone warning system used by emergency services to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones within a defined area about likely or actual emergencies.
Emergency Alert is just one way of warning communities and will not be used in all circumstances. Emergency Alert relies on telecommunications networks to send messages, and message delivery cannot be guaranteed.  For more information visit http://www.emergencyalert.gov.au/.

TUNE INTO WARNINGS

When it is time to evacuate, you will be told through the media or by other warning methods such as sirens, telephone calls using the emergency alert system. This includes an SMS message to your mobile or a voice message to your landline.

When warnings are issued you may be directed to:

• Finalise preparations and secure items around your home;
• Self-evacuate to your pre-determined safer location with family or friends (usually on 'higher ground');
• Activate your emergency plan;
• Shelter in Place;
• Evacuate to a Council evacuation centre.

Tune in

• Local radio and TV stations have warnings, updates and community safety announcements.
• You may receive emergency alert voice messages to your landline and/or text messages to your mobile telephone.
• Emergency services may use sirens and loud-hailer announcements.
• Emergency services personnel may door-knock your local area to pass on warnings.

Log on

• Bureau of Meteorology for weather warnings.
• Queensland Disaster Management website  for information on disaster events.
• Council's website for local emergency information including details of evacuation centres and road closures.

Listen out

• The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS)  - the siren sound used at the beginning of serious warnings on radio and television.
• Pay careful attention to the message that follows SEWS and act immediately on the advice given.
• Emergency alert voice messages may be sent to your landline and text messages to your mobile telephone.
• Sirens and loud-hailer announcements may be used by emergency services.
• Emergency services personnel may door-knock your local area to pass on warnings.

Act

• Start your emergency plan and have your emergency kit handy.
• Act quickly on the authorities' advice. Depending on the situation, you may be told to:

1. Shelter in place within your own home;
2. Take voluntary evacuation measures by going to friends or family; or
3. Go to an evacuation centre. If this is the case, information about evacuation centres will be published on this site.

• Make sure everyone in your house is aware of the warning and advice provided;
• Check on neighbours and friends who may need special assistance; and
• Take care that your drinking water is not contaminated.