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9 February, 2016 10:22
Queensland Urban Utilities will attend the Ipswich Get Ready Disaster Expo to remind residents to think of water when preparing for severe weather.
The expo, to be held on Saturday, February 13 at the Ipswich Showgrounds, will focus on storms, floods and fires.
Queensland Urban Utilities spokesperson, Michelle Cull, said even though the region hasn’t had any major disasters so far this summer, people can’t afford to be complacent.
“It’s important to have an emergency plan in place, and remember that water and sewerage services can be affected,” she said.
“People tend to prepare for a blackout or falling tree branches, but forget that water supply can also be impacted.
“For example, hundreds of homes on hills rely on water boosters to pump supply which means if the power is cut, so is the water.
“We recommend people store at least three days’ supply of water in containers. Ten litres per person is a good rule of thumb.”
Queensland Urban Utilities is also urging people to do some simple checks on their household plumbing.
“Residents should make sure their gully trap or overflow relief gully* is clear of obstruction to prevent sewage backing up into their house during heavy rain,” Ms Cull said.
“We’d also like homeowners to check their downpipes are not connected to the sewer system, as stormwater can flood the sewerage network during wet weather, causing overflows.”
Get Ready checklist
- Have an emergency plan
- Store at least three days’ supply of water – about 10 litres per person
- Identify where and how to turn off your water supply
- Check gully trap or overflow relief gully is clear of obstruction
- Ensure downpipes are not connected to the sewerage network
- Know who to contact for help. For emergencies related to water and sewerage services call Queensland Urban Utilities 24/7 on 13 23 64.
Get Ready Disaster Expo
- When: 10am-2pm, Saturday, February 13
- Where: Ipswich Showgrounds Exhibits Display Building. Warwick Rd, Ipswich (behind Inflatable World)
- Cost: FREE entry
- What: Free face painting, food stalls, Rescue 500 Helicopter**
- More information: www.Ipswich.qld.gov.au/emergency
**subject to operational requirements
Find out more tips on how to be prepared for severe weather events.
*A gully trap or overflow relief gully is a grated outlet which is located outside your home, usually near the laundry.