Two information booklets which could save your life will be distributed in the Redlands by volunteers on Saturday 26 October.

On the back of Get Ready Queensland Week (Oct 14-18) the booklets are being circulated as part of Redland City Council’s efforts to ensure residents are ready for bushfire and storm season.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, who is Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, urged Redlanders to get a copy of the guides and follow the recommendations.

“In partnership with Council, the Australian Red Cross’s emergency REDiPlan and state Department of Community Safety’s Bushfire Survival Plan will be distributed to homeowners in high-risk areas and available at mainland and Moreton Bay island shopping precincts and dropped-off,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Red Cross is coordinating the distribution with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which will have 100 teams handing out copies as part of their annual Helping  Hands volunteer community service day on 26 October.’’

The distribution follows Get Ready Day on October 20, when all Queenslanders will be urged to ensure they are ready for storm season.

Cr Williams said the community could be confident that Council and emergency services were taking all the necessary precautionary steps to deal with potential disasters such as severe storms and bushfires.

But she said it was imperative residents were also well prepared for dealing with an emergency.

“I strongly encourage residents to read these emergency plans and then share them with their family and neighbours,’’ Cr Williams said.

“This is a first not only for the Redlands but for Queensland. This is the Redlands leading the way in helping residents prepare for such events.

“It is not simply about ticking boxes but providing tangible help backed by a pro-active Council disaster management team which, in conjunction with emergency services, has developed specialised plans for all communities within the Redlands.’’

Cr Williams said the volunteers, who would be wearing Get Ready identification tags, were available to help explain how to use the guides.

“Homes in suburbs of greater risk from severe storms or bushfires, such as those along the bay and fringing bush land, will be particularly targeted,’’ Cr Williams said.
Red Cross Queensland Emergency Services Manager Carolyn Parsons said that making or updating an emergency plan not only enabled people to look after themselves during a disaster but also helped them get back on their feet more quickly.

“Don’t forget to include items of personal value in your emergency plan,’’ Ms Parsons said.

“Our experience is that people who lose items precious to them can often take longer to recover from a disaster. The loss of these objects can be as traumatic as coping with the disaster.

“Basic things such as understanding the hazards that might affect you, having an emergency plan which identifies irreplaceable and precious items, knowing who lives nearby and getting your insurance up to date can make all the difference and minimise the disruption caused by emergencies.’’

Find out more by logging on to Redland City Council’s Disaster Hub by going to www.redland.qld.gov.au, clicking on “About Redlands”, then “Disaster Management”; or by going to the Get Ready Queensland website www.disaster.qld.gov.au