IPSWICH region residents are being encouraged to prepare their properties, and themselves, for the “disaster season”.

Ipswich City Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said Get Ready Queensland Week from October 6 to 12 was the ideal time to prepare for extreme and severe weather events.

“The onset and aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March this year was a challenging time for our city and highlights the need to expect the unexpected,” he said.

“Get Ready Queensland Week serves as a call to action for our residents to prepare for extreme weather and disasters, including storms, flooding and bushfires.

“The time to act is now. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take key steps to ensure you and your loved ones are as safe as possible.

“We are calling on residents to act on three key priorities: understanding your risk, making an emergency plan and packing an emergency kit.

“Understanding your risk is about doing the groundwork to determine to what extent your home and neighbourhood may be impacted by natural disasters – and what to do to keep your family and home safe. This is particularly important for new residents.

“Your emergency plan outlines when to evacuate your home and what to do in this situation, including what to pack, where to go and what to do with pets.

“An emergency kit should include items such as water, baby supplies if required, non-perishable food, medication, essential toiletries and important documents.”

He reminded residents of the Council’s disaster dashboard as the source of up-to-date information during a disaster.