Evacuations

​​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 warn​ings

• Ensure all householders are aware of the warnings and advice provided

• Don’t wait to be told – self evacuat​​e 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

• Important documents in sealed bags and some cash

• Essential medication

• Mobile/phone charger

• Sleeping bag

• Blanket

• Mementos

• Warm clothes

• Kids toys/entertainment

• Pillows

• Toiletries

• Baby formula and nappies

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.​​

​