Communities located between Orford Ness and Cape Flattery are being asked to finalise their preparations and be ready to take shelter as Tropical Cyclone Trevor approaches the far north Queensland coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advised at 6am, that Tropical Cyclone Trevor was a Category 3 system and is expected to cross south of Lockhart River at 4pm today.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll said QFES had deployed additional personnel, including specialist swift water rescue firefighters, to key locations ahead of the cyclone making landfall.
“We have crews on the ground to help before the cyclone hits, and following the impact, as soon as it is safe,” Ms Carroll said.
“However, it is important residents do everything they can to help themselves and their community instead of putting unnecessary pressure on emergency authorities.
“Prepare your family by stocking an emergency kit with essential supplies including food, water, warm clothes, medications, first aid supplies, important documents, valuables, a battery-powered or wind up radio and sleeping gear.
“Take the time to clean up your yard by bringing small items inside and tying down any large items such as swing sets and trampolines.”
Ms Carroll said if residents needed to evacuate they should take their emergency kit and go to their predetermined place.
“If you are visiting or holidaying in the Cape York Peninsula Coast and do not have family or friends to shelter with, contact your accommodation manager immediately to identify the options available,” she said.
“If you are a resident and you don’t have a safe location to go to, please contact your local council for options.”
Ms Carroll added if an official evacuation order had not been issued, the best option for residents was to shelter in place until the cyclone has passed.
“Turn off all your electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances and bring your family to the strongest part of the house,” she said.
“If the building you’re sheltering in begins to break up, immediately seek shelter under a strong table or bench or under a heavy mattress.”
Ms Carroll said residents in the far north were very familiar with cyclones, but it was important to remember that safety comes first.
“This system is expected to produce heavy rainfall and under no circumstance should people enter flooded creeks or causeways by road or on foot. If you come across rising floodwaters, turn around and seek an alternative route,” she said.
“Parents, please also discourage your children from playing or swimming in flooded creeks and drains.
“Keep up to date with the movement and severity of the cyclone by listening to your local radio station and watching the BoM website.”
For storm and flood assistance contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 and in a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).
For further information on how to prepare your home visit www.getready.qld.gov.au and to keep updated on warnings monitor the BoM website at www.bom.gov.au.
