With Australia's weather landscape everchanging, Queenslanders are being urged to prepare their families and property for possible natural disasters.
That's the message being driven home during Get Ready Queensland Week (9-15 October), which is happening right now with events across Queensland and a launch event in Brisbane.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said today Council joined the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Get Ready Queensland team to launch the Get Ready event at Peries IGA, Dean Street.
"This event focused on providing the community disaster preparedness advice, driving home the Get Ready Queensland message," Mayor Williams said.
"The Rockhampton community is well aware that disasters happen, and most households in the region will have already faced a few.
"If there is one thing we know from experience, being prepared can make a huge difference.
"Today's event was aimed at increasing disaster preparedness and resilience among communities. Residents learnt about essential items to include in their emergency kit that can sustain them during an emergency.
"In addition to the event, our Disaster Management team provided information on developing an emergency plan and understanding local disaster risks, emphasizing the importance of community resilience.
"Emergencies often happen at short notice and so it is vital that local residents have a plan in place to deal with these events before an emergency occurs."
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said Get Ready Queensland Week was an opportunity for all Queenslanders to get disaster-ready.
"Queensland is the most disaster-impacted state in Australia, but we're also the most disaster-resilient, and Get Ready Queensland Week aims to strengthen that position throughout the entire community," Mr O'Rourke said.
"We want everyone to remember these three simple steps to Get Ready: know your risk, have an emergency plan, and pack an emergency kit."
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Get Ready messages of being prepared and building resilience were as important as ever.
"Our weather can turn very quickly with severe impacts, and with peak disaster season arriving it's a good time to prepare for anything that's thrown our way," Ms Lauga said.
"Simply adding a few extra items to your weekly shop to make sure your household emergency kit is ready is a great way to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe."
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Jake Ellwood said experience shows communities that are well prepared and supported before a disaster occurs are more resilient and able to recover faster.
"We don't know when a disaster will strike but we need to be ready when it does. That's the essence of Get Ready Queensland," Mr Ellwood said.
"During Get Ready Queensland Week please take a few moments to make the necessary preparations and together we'll build more disaster resilience right across our state."
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Williams said being properly prepared means the community can face a disaster with confidence.
"We need to make sure our homes, family, friends, pets and community are as protected as possible, and the decisions we're making have been well thought-out beforehand," Mayor Williams said.
"A plan also contributes to how we manage stress leading into a disaster and reduces community impacts during the recovery phase.
"We can't afford to be on the back foot during an emergency, so don't wait for an impending or actual disaster before you start your preparation.
"I encourage everyone to get their emergency kits and plans together and make yourself familiar with your local emergency dashboard."
Get Ready Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of being prepared for natural disasters, such as cyclones, floods, and bushfires, which are all too common in the Queensland region. The Queensland Reconstruction Authority recognizes the critical role that preparedness plays in protecting families and communities during times of crisis.
