As I write these words, a tropical low is brewing in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
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It’s course is so far erratic so it is nt abundantly clear if it will develop in to a cyclone.
If it does it will be the first of the 2016-2017 summer season and be given the name Alfred.
Oddly for me, the first thing I think of with the name Alfred is Batman’s butler from the old TV series but this cyclone will be no laughing people for the communities of the Gulf.
Many of these communities are extremely isolated at the best of times and are often cut off for weeks on end during the wet season.
It doesn’t matter how used you are to cyclones they create dangerous condition and some sensible precautions are a good thing.
Residents should prepare early for extreme weather by securing loose items and cleaning up around our homes and gardens.
Motorists should avoid any unnecessary travel and remember if it’s flooded, forget it.
Tips for wet season preparedness include:
compile a list of family and emergency contacts
organise a community clean up
clean up around your home and garden
decide where you will shelter – if needed, arrange to shelter with friends, family or in a public shelter or strong building
prepare emergency kits for your family
develop an evacuation plan
brush up on first aid skills.
There are plenty of useful resources people should look to:
For Wet weather preparedness: qld.gov.au/getready
For cyclone preparedness and safety advice: www.disaster.qld.gov.au
For latest advice and warnings from Bureau of Meteorology go www.bom.gov.au/cyclone
To get the most up-to-date road condition information visit www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.
For emergency assistance call the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage). DB