Neighbours urged to unite to prepare for cyclone season
Date published: 3 November 2016
A new initiative hopes to unite neighbours to prepare for the upcoming cyclone season.
Cyclone Ready Streets is a partnership between Townsville City Council and Suncorp to encourage locals to clean up their streets and back yards on November 27.
Chair of the Townsville Location Disaster Management Group Mayor Jenny Hill said this was a fun way to get neighbours working together.
“We encourage people to get involved, with rewards on offer such as free barbecue packs for those who register a team and prepare their street ahead of the cyclone season,” Cr Hill said.
“Clearing fallen branches, cleaning gutters and downpipes and securing loose items is an easy way for residents to minimise any potential damage brought on by strong winds and heavy rain.”
Suncorp Regional Manager Chris Rothwell said Cyclone Ready Streets was a way to encourage neighbours to work together and do the basics to prepare for cyclone season.
“Now’s not the time to be complacent, with an above average cyclone season forecast, residents need to prepare properly,” he said.
“We want people to follow a Cyclone Ready 3 x 3 checklist, and know the three key things to do 3 weeks, 3 days and 3 hours before a cyclone.”
Cyclone Ready Streets will be launched at council’s annual Cyclone Sunday event this Sunday, November 6.
There will be more than 30 exhibitors at the event which will include Townsville City Council, Emergency Management, SES, Ergon Energy, Bureau of Meteorology, Suncorp Insurance, Police and Queensland Ambulance, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services among many others.
The event attracts more than 6,000 visitors each year, including many new residents to the ever-growing city, as well as long-established locals who want to be up to date with information.
“For the city’s long-time residents and for those new to our community, Cyclone Sunday is the perfect opportunity to receive invaluable resources and the most up-to-date information about dealing with potential natural disasters,” Cr Hill said.
“It’s about having this valuable information at your fingertips, having a plan in place and ensuring our community can respond and ultimately recover quickly in the event of a cyclone.
“Even if you have lived in the North your entire life, it is important not to become complacent and ensure you are aware of potential risks and hazards, preparing yourself, your home and your property for the storm season ahead.”
Cyclone Sunday will be held at Strand Park on Sunday, November 6 from 9am to 12pm.
