TRC urges residents to be prepared for extreme heat, storm season

Toowoomba Regional Council is warning residents to take sensible precautions to guard against an extreme heatwave that is forecast to reach the region for the start of summer.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the Bureau of Meteorology had forecast extremely high temperatures for most of northern Australia for the start of December, extending across most parts of Queensland, including the southern parts of the state.

He said the predicted maximum temperatures could be at least 10 degrees above the seasonal average temperatures for the Toowoomba Region, and in some cases could be far higher.

“Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous, and residents should take measures to avoid working outdoors, especially in the middle of the day,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Young children, the elderly and people with health problems are most at risk, but heat stress can affect anyone.

“Residents should drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and caffeine), stay out of direct sunlight and check on neighbours in the coming week.”

Mayor Antonio said the start of summer also meant residents should be prepared for storm season.

He said the Darling Downs was highly likely to experience thunder, lightning and storms during the peak storm season between now and March.

“Council is better prepared than ever for this storm season, but we need residents to be ready as well,” he said.

Mayor Antonio called on residents to:

• check and clean their roof, gutters and downpipes; • identify loose objects in their yard such as outdoor furniture and toys that will have to be put away or secured if a storm approaches; and • pack an emergency kit to set aside that includes torches, spare batteries, an emergency radio, canned food, UHT milk and bottled water. • Check full details at www.tr.qld.gov.au/beprepared 

Mayor Antonio said Council had been identifying risks within local communities and trying to anticipate what could happen if storms hit.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that we are prepared for whatever nature throws at us,” Mayor Antonio said.

“People are more aware of how quickly the situation can change when a storm hits.”

Mayor Antonio said if required, the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) would coordinate with relevant emergency services and would monitor information and warnings from the State Disaster Coordination Centre and the Bureau of Meteorology.

“Council, and in turn the LDMG, will follow established procedures for disaster response and recovery if required,” he said.

“Our top priority is to ensure all residents are safe and well informed about the potential dangers from storms, such as possible flood waters and high winds. It is better to err on the side of caution.

“Motorists are reminded to heed the simple message, ‘If it’s flooded, forget it’. Please observe any warning signs and drive to the conditions.

“Council’s flood early warning system at Oakey and the flood warning indicator lights at Toowoomba city locations offer residents and road users additional safeguards in these events.

“Residents should be vigilant for any fallen powerlines or other hazards in high winds.”

In a life-threatening emergency call 000 and for emergency flood or storm assistance, call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Listen to ABC Radio for relevant disaster information updates and warnings.

For Toowoomba Region emergency updates, please visit http://disaster.tr.qld.gov.au/ 

For details about coping in extreme heat, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/heatwave