Before a Disaster
« BackIMPORTANT FACT SHEETS
Be Aware and Be Prepared!
Like all regions across Australia, natural hazards such as heatwaves, severe storms, floods and bushfires can pose a very real threat to our community. Goondiwindi Regional Council is committed to improving our community resilience capabilities in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.
We all have a role to play. It is important to plan ahead and be prepared so that during an emergency you and your family know what to do, where to go, how to keep in touch with each other and how to contact emergency services if required. Develop your emergency plan, prepare your home and property and have your emergency and evacuation kits ready to go. Remember to involve all members of your household in your disaster preparations so that everyone understands the hazards, the risks and the required actions to be taken in an emergency.
The Get Ready Queensland website www.getready.qld.gov.au/has a series of fact sheets and resources available to help to get you started. When it comes to extreme weather events in Queensland, it's not so much a matter of if but when. The more prepared we all are, the faster we'll bounce back afterwards. Prepare your WHAT-IF Plan today.
See 'Useful Links & Resources' for further information to assist you with your disaster planning preparations.
Community Resilience
What is community resilience?
Resilience of individuals and communities involves their preparedness for, and capacity to adapt/recover from the impact of natural disasters/emergencies. Simply put, community resilience is the ability to “bounce back” from an adverse experience.
Why do we need community resilience?
The severity of a disaster is determined by both the scale of the disaster and the level of community preparedness. Australia is vulnerable to a variety of shocks and natural disasters. Community resilience is critical in minimising the effect of these disasters and contributes to a quicker, more effective response.
How do we build community resilience?
There is no hard and fast rule how to build community resilience however it is best strengthened continuously, not just in times of crisis. It involves people getting together to create sustainable links within their community.
How do I know if my community is resilient?
The level of interconnectedness between members of a community is a key component and indicator of the level of community resilience. For example, do you know your neighbours? Are you actively involved in your local community? Do you know what to do before, during and after a natural disaster?
Know Your Role
View the short animation "Disasters: Know Your Role" to help you better understand the role that you play in Queensland's Disaster Management Arrangements and to learn how you can help your community to be more prepared and more resilient to disasters.