Language barriers brought down for Ipswich storm season
21 November 2024
Ipswich residents will soon have updated advice during storm seasons as key safety messages are translated into 11 languages, while community information sessions have encouraged preparedness.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said while the start of storm season prompts important warnings to get your home prepared, Ipswich City Council works year-round to ensure residents are as safe as possible during severe weather events.
Cr Madden said if the past couple of weeks are any indication, it could be another damaging storm season in 2024-2025.
“The lightning and rain-filled nights we’ve had in southeast Queensland recently are a reminder to prepare for weather emergencies and natural disasters,” Cr Madden said.
“While council stands ready to respond to such events, we can all do our bit to mitigate the impact of storms and floods.
“Council has held 54 pop-up information sessions on disaster preparedness since September 2022 in shopping centres, at festivals and shows and in libraries, with many aimed to improve awareness in our diverse community.
“Because Ipswich is a culturally diverse city, we are in the process of making this advice available in 11 different languages, which will ensure these messages are easily accessible to as many people as possible.
“These new resources will be available in early 2025, but in the meantime, residents can check the council’s website for more advice and support around preparing their homes for storm season.”
Cr Madden said residents should bookmark council’s Disaster Dashboard and Emergency Management site to refer to during storms or natural hazards.
“Council provides a wealth of knowledge about disaster preparedness for residents to use as we all focus on keeping our homes safe,” Cr Madden said.
“Residents are reminded of the importance of property maintenance, including checking and cleaning gutters and downpipes, which can help prevent water damage to your home.
“These need to be maintained regularly, with recent strong winds possibly resulting in leaves being blown onto roofs.
“Loose items can become projectiles in high winds so it’s also important residents keep their yards tidy, while overhanging tree branches should be trimmed so they don’t bring down power lines and damage structures.
“Small issues can become big problems during the storm season, so don’t delay in getting those minor repairs done, whether it be to rust damage, rotting timber or loose fittings.”
Residents can also stay informed via the Bureau of Meteorology website and app, and learn more about disaster preparedness at the Get Ready Queensland website at https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/getting-ready/protect-your-home