Mayor and Chair of the WDMG, Jenny Whitney, said that RACQ ‘Get Ready’ week is being held
across the State from 12-18 October 2015. The Whitsunday Disaster Management Group will be
participating in ‘Get Ready Day’ on Saturday 17 October 2015 from 9am – 1pm at Whitsunday
Plaza Shopping Centre.

Emergency Services and Council Disaster Management staff will be available to discuss disaster preparation activities with displays and some giveaways.

“The shopping centre stall will provide all the information needed for you and your family to
properly prepare for the upcoming wet season,” she said.

“Many people who have lived in the area for a while may be used to preparing for the wet season, but Get Ready Week is a reminder not to be complacent and to make sure you are prepared,

“For example, could you and your family survive for three days without power and water during a
disaster event?

“Does your family have an emergency kit and an evacuation plan for a disaster event?

“Would your family shelter in place, go to friends or family on higher ground or go to one of the
public Cyclone Shelters during a significant disaster event?

“Do you know what storm surge zone you live in?

“These are just a couple of points which everyone needs to think through and have a discussion
with their family about prior to the wet season,

“For people who are new to town there will be loads of information available for you about how to prepare and what to do during an event,

“Every person in the Whitsundays should consider their risks and make preparations prior to the
cyclone season. Since 2010, half of the Cyclone’s that have crossed the east coast of Australia
have crossed through the Whitsunday Region.”

For further information on how to ‘Get Ready’ and prepare a “What-If Plan” visit the State
Government’s Get Ready website www.getready.qld.gov.au

To keep up to date with information relating to current disaster events, residents are encouraged to‘Like’ the Whitsunday Disaster and Emergency Information Facebook page, which will provide a direct link to information from the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group.

Any enquiries on this matter should be directed to Council on 07 4945 0200.

Ends

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For media enquiries, contact:
Lisa Maher, Communications Officer
Phone: 07 4945 0204, 0408 713 243 or Email: lisa.maher@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au