With Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predictions for a hotter and wetter than normal wet season, Council is urging each householder to prepare an emergency plan, pack an emergency kit and stay informed.

The message for the pre-wet season public cyclone awareness campaign is simple: Plan Pack Listen.

Mayor Val Schier said the region’s preparedness will hinge on every family making an effort to be ready for the coming cyclone season.

“The Bureau has warned that in the current La Nina weather pattern, rainfall has increased and the ocean temperature is hotter than normal.  Both could lead to increased cyclonic activity,” Cr Schier said.

“We know that being prepared is the key to safety and survival."

Historically in the average cyclone season, four major cyclonic storms occur. For this year, the BOM has predicted at least six.    

Council provides up to date disaster information on its website including announcements, road closures, media messages and storm surge mapping. Facebook and Twitter are also mediums used to inform the public.

Resident should act now to ensure they are prepared for any threatening weather event by:

• Preparing an emergency plan with the involvement of all household member
• Checking the family emergency kit is ready and nearbyMaking arrangements for pets
• Those living in storm surge or flood areas should arrange a place to stay with friends in higher places, in the case of advice to evacuate
• Preparing residential property by trimming trees and tidying the garden
• Checking insurance policies are current and provide adequate cover

The Department of Community Safety are inviting you to attend 'Cyclone Prepared, Cyclone Ready', a presentation aimed at educating our community on storm preparedness.

The presentation will be held The Sheraton Mirage at 7pm on Thursday, 28 October, and organisers have requested those who would like to attend the presentation to contact Craig Downing by 22 October at Craig.Downing@dcs.qld.gov.au.