Last updated 5.30pm Sunday 5 January 2014
Straddie Bushfire – Frequently Asked Questions
5.30pm Sunday 5 January 2014
Q: How do I find out the latest bushfire information?
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More information on the fires is available via:
Redland City Council
Website – www.redland.qld.gov.au
Facebook page – www.facebook.com/RedlandCouncil
Twitter page – https://twitter.com/RedlandCouncil
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Website – www.fire.qld.gov.au
Facebook page – www.facebook.com/QldFireandRescueService
Twitter page – https://twitter.com/Qldfes
Queensland Police
Website – www.police.qld.gov.au
Facebook page – www.facebook.com/QueenslandPolice
Twitter page – https://twitter.com/Qpsmedia
Energex
Website – www.energex.com.au
Facebook page – www.facebook.com/Energex
Twitter page – https://twitter.com/Energex
You can access these social media pages without Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Those without internet access should tune in to 612 ABC on their radios.
Q: Should we go to North Stradbroke Island?
Non-essential travel is not recommended currently due to smoke, fire threat and frequent main road closures isolating townships.
Q: What is the latest update regarding power on North Stradbroke Island?
Energex advises that the entire island has electricity.
Mains power is expected to be restored on Monday (6 January 2014).
Q: Will I be compensated for the loss of power?
Anyone impacted by the power loss should speak with their insurer.
Q: Emergency numbers:
Police, fire and ambulance 000
SES 132 500
Redland City Council 3829 8999
Energex 13 62 62
Q: What about the smoke?
The fire on North Stradbroke Island may continue to burn for several days and as such it is possible for smoke to be present across the Redlands and surrounding suburbs during this time.
Anyone experiencing breathing problems or chest pain should seek medical advice immediately.
More advice on staying safe and healthy in smoky conditions can be found in this Queensland Health fact sheet http://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/documents/bushfire-smoke.pdf
Tips for coping with extreme heat:
Some people are more prone to heat-related illness including:
- the elderly
- infants
- overweight and obese people
- pregnant and breastfeeding women
- people with pre-existing health conditions.
Please check on family, friends and neighbours to ensure they are okay and if there is any chance they are suffering heat stroke, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Keep healthy in the heat:
- drink plenty of fluids – do not wait until you are thirsty – urine colour is a good guide to hydration – it should be clear to light straw-coloured, not dark or gold
- stay cool by taking cool showers or baths, soaking their feet in a basin of water, or wetting a bandana or washer and wrapping it around their neck
- take time to adjust to the environment, pace yourself and limit strenuous outdoor activity
Heat exhaustion symptoms:
- muscle cramps
- heavy sweating
- paleness
- dizziness
- nausea or vomiting
- fainting
Heat stroke symptoms:
- extremely high body temperature
- red, hot, dry skin, but possibly some clamminess
- a rapid pulse
- headache
- confusion
