Memories of the 2019 February inundation
and the subsequent isolation of Paluma and communities to the west will be with
us for years. These memories should prompt all of us living in the area to consider
carefully how we prepare for the coming wet season.
The best way to start this years’
preparation is to visit the Queensland Government website www.getready.qld.gov.au. The site
addresses preparation for a range of disasters that could affect Queensland. Cyclone,
storm damage & fires are the most relevant to our area. It also lists a number of disaster related
apps. Another useful website is www.disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au
Cyclones
& extreme rainfall events
The get ready website suggests being
prepared for 3 days of self-sufficiency. This may be adequate for the lowlands,
but may prove inadequate for Paluma to Hidden Valley communities. If a high category cyclone crosses the coast
anywhere near Townsville, Paluma to Hidden Valley problems are likely to be
well down the priority list.
Plan for the worst – what if.
- All access roads to the area
closed for ten (?) plus days
- Prolonged loss of the
electricity grid supply.
- Eventual loss of landline &
mobile phone communication due loss of power to the Telstra site.
- Damage to Townsville Water
infrastructure resulting in unreliable water supply.
- Structural damage to your
private residences forcing evacuation to temporary accommodation.
If you work through the three steps of the Have
a Plan section of the get ready website you should be covered for most
things. However they don’t mention backup generators & standby gas cooking
equipment or the associated fuel & gas.
For
anyone without internet access the following checklist covers some of
the things to consider.
Insurance
Check currency & adequacy.
Basic supplies
- Enough food for the whole
household including pets. If you have no generator backup for you refrigerator
then stick mainly to non-perishable food. (dried or tinned)
- Adequate supplies of
prescription medication plus cold & flu tablets, pain killers etc.
- Toiletries.
- Adequate clothing for everyone
for the duration.
- Extra bed linen & towels.
- Sturdy gloves.
- Wet weather gear.
- Allow 3 litres of bottled water
per person per day. Alternatively a small rainwater tank with water
purification tablets from chemist/camping stores. Without power electrical
appliances will not be able to boil water for safety.
- Important documents & a backup
hard drive.
- Up to date first aid kit.
- Adequate generator fuel &
gas for backup cooking equipment. Those on solar off grid systems should
consider how much fuel they may need if the solar array is damaged.
- Spare batteries for
torches/radios.
- Sturdy waterproof containers
for food, clothes, medication, phones etc.
Communications
- The Telstra site has a backup
generator but no external fuel tank suggesting it is only designed for short
term power interruptions. There may also be batteries in the equipment hut. So
landline & mobile phones may continue to work for some time after a power
failure & then shut down. Suggest it wise to make any important phone calls
or emails as soon as possible after the event.
- For landline phones a non 240v
phone is best.
- Have an alternate way of
charging mobile phones & tablets without mains power.
- Will your mobile phone work at
the Star Valley or McClelland’s’ lookouts.
- Battery radio.
Equipment
- Generator –tested/serviced.
- Backup gas cooking equipment
(BBQ) if you only have an electric stove.
- Alternative lighting.
Evacuating
you house due structural damage.
Extra things that should be considered for
an evacuation kit include bedding (sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses &
pillows), reading material & games, cash.
If you are not going to be in the Paluma area.
- Ensure anyone occupying your house is aware of
the above suggestions.
- Clean out your fridge &
freezer
- Consider supplying a neighbour
with a key & your contact details so they can access your property to check
for damage & report to you.
Charlie Allen, Mt Spec SES
