Get Ready Mackay
Making decisions in an emergency can be stressful. Make an evacuation plan now, before disaster strikes.
Get your household evacuation plan together by filling out this plan. It is a simple plan which explains the 5 knows that households can personalise and use to get ready.
How to make a household evacuation plan
Know when to go
Emergency warnings and advice can be sent via text message to any phone in the hazard zone from 0444 444 444 and advised through local media.
You can also Opt In for Notifications from the Mackay Emergency Dashboard and tune in to the official emergency broadcaster ABC Tropical North 101.1FM.
Going early is often the safest option; consider where you live and how you can be impacted. For example, you might live in a community with only one road in and out.
Decide ahead of time at which level of advice you will go, e.g. when a storm tide warning is issued or when a bushfire warning reaches a certain level of advice such as ‘Prepare to Leave’.
- More info about bushfire warnings.
- More info about other severe weather warnings.
Know where to go
Where would you feel safe and comfortable for a few days if you had to leave home?
Identify now which family, friends, or commercial accommodation you would go to. Make sure you let someone know where you have evacuated to and that you arrived safely.
Evacuation centres or the public cyclone shelter should be your last resort. If they are opened, it will be advised on the Mackay Emergency Dashboard and ABC Tropical North 101.1 FM.
Please note pets may not be allowed in centres or shelters.
Know how to move
Transport options, pets, and people with medical needs or mobility issues require careful planning.
Which vehicles will you take? If you don’t have a vehicle, who could you travel with? Identify the safest route there and
consider potential hazards such as flooded or congested roads.
If you are elderly or have a disability, use the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness resource to plan your evacuation.
Do any of your neighbours or family require assistance and how can you help?
Consider how to transport animals and for more information on pets, go to page 64 of the Emergency Action Guide.
Know what to take
You may be away from home for several days. Consider what you would pack for a remote camping trip and don’t forget essentials like phone chargers, medications, prescriptions, medical devices and important identification and legal documents.
See pages 63-66 of the Emergency Action Guide for a comprehensive list.
Know your neighbours
Connected communities are resilient communities. Often neighbours will be your first responders in a disaster event and are best placed to assist with preparing your home before disaster strikes.
Think about who you could help in your neighbourhood or who might be able to help you.