In a disaster there may be a requirement for partial or total evacuation of an area. During an event evacuation centres are established, residents will be advised by alerts where their nearest evacuations centres are located.
Voluntary Evacuation
A voluntary evacuation occurs when people choose to move from a perceived area of danger to an area of safety prior to an announcement of a mandatory evacuation.
Mandatory Evacuation
A mandatory evacuation is a situation where emergency management officials put maximum emphasis on encouraging evacuation. Mandatory evacuation is employed by the authorities as a protective action in certain emergencies.
What To Do If You Need to Evacuate
When evacuation is imminent:
Tune into warnings
Ensure all householders are aware of the warnings and advice provided
Don’t wait to be told – self evacuate to your predetermined evacuation destination if you live in a flood prone area or require support – inform your neighbours/friends/emergency services if you do plan to self evacuate.
Plan your evacuation route to avoid flood water and other possible hazards
Raise your pre-determined furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces
Empty fridges and freezers, leaving the doors open
Place sandbags (strong plastic bags full of sand or earth) in the toilet bowl and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage back-flow
Call your out of town contact before you leave and once you arrive at your evacuation location
Charge your mobile phone
Check your neighbours and friends who may need special assistance
Prepare your pets - have your pets ready to go – if you are unable to take your pets with you never leave them tied up or chained and provide adequate food and water in large heavy bowls
Fill your petrol tank and stock your car with emergency supplies
Evacuate your business
When you have been told to evacuate:
Act quickly on the advice provided
Follow all instructions by emergency authorities and react to changing conditions
Take your emergency kit and evacuation kit and commence your evacuation arrangements
Turn off all the main power, water and gas supply, unplug all appliances
Ensure all family members are wearing strong shoes and suitable clothing
Travel light – do not risk your safety with replaceable possessions
If available – consider putting call-forwarding on and forward your home phone number to your mobile phone number.
Lock your home and take the recommended evacuation routes for your area
Take your pets
Seek shelter at your predetermined evacuation location
If you are visiting or holidaying in the region and do not have family or friends to shelter with, contact your accommodation provider immediately to identify options for evacuation
Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
For non-emergency communications, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on your mobile phone to avoid tying up voice networks. Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion. You can also use social media to post your status to let family and friends know you are okay.
Evacuation Centres
In the event that evacuation centres are established, residents will be advised of the location of centres in their town.
What to bring
Some evacuation centres will not accept animals so it is critical for residents in low-lying areas to plan ahead to ensure there is a safe place for their animals at friends' or family's houses if evacuation becomes necessary.
Whilst the Local Disaster Management Group has identified a number of facilities throughout the region, the following may or may not be utilised as evacuation centres. During an event community members will be advised by media alerts where their nearest evacuation centres are located.
AMBY |
Town Hall | |
BEGONIA |
Community Hall | |
BYMOUNT & EUMAMURRIN |
Community Halls | |
DUNKELD |
Sports club/community Hall | |
INJUNE |
Bowls Club | Hutton Street |
CWA Hall | |
Town Hall | Hutton Street |
JACKSON |
Town Hall | |
MITCHELL |
Council Works Depot | Mitchell/St George Road |
Mitchell State School | Cambridge Street |
RSL Sports Complex | Ann Street |
Town Hall | Cambridge Street |
MUCKADILLA |
Town Hall | Warrego Highway |
MUNGALLALA |
Town Hall | Burke Street |
NOONGA |
Community Hall | |
ROMA |
Bassett Park/showgrounds | Northern Road |
Cultural Centre | Cnr Bungil Street & Quintin Street |
PCYC/Recreation Centre | George Street |
RSL Hall | Quintin Street |
SURAT |
RSL Hall | Burrowes Street |
Town Hall | Cnr William Street and Cordelia Street |
WALLUMBILLA |
CWA Hall | College Street |
Town Hall | Chadford Street |
YULEBA |
Town Hall | Garden Street |