7.15pm
BOM predicts Cyclone Marcia will intensify to category 5 for landfall.
Severe tropical cyclone Marcia continues to intensify, category 5 now forecast for landfall. http://t.co/rVLE6i5J4y
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) February 19, 2015
7pm
Great response to our call out for sand bagging help in Cleveland!
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4.30pm
With power outages possible as heavy rain and high winds hits the Redlands, Energex offers this advice to homeowners:
- Keep a battery-powered radio with fully charged batteries handy and listen to your local radio station.
- Access our mobile website from your smart phone for regular power restoration updates.
- Turn off and unplug electrical items.
- Use a torch for light and avoid using candles.
- Stay clear of wet or damp electrical items. You may need to contact a licensed electrician to determine if safe to use.
- If you can see or hear something that could help identify the problem, like fallen powerlines or a loud bang, stay well clear and contact us on the numbers above.
For safety reasons, Energex advises that it will attend to emergency jobs such as fallen powerlines or electric shocks as a priority to ensure it’s then safe to restore power.
2:35pm
SES workers have been busy distributing sand bags to Redland City Council residents in Cleveland.
Here is a short video of their efforts:
Sand bags can be picked up at the Cleveland Showgrounds from 4.30pm today. Redland SES Unit are requesting help from residents and community organisations at the showgrounds to fill sand bags this afternoon and this evening.
If you are unable to fill your own sand bags, please call the SES on 132 500.
12.50pm
Are your pets ready for storms?
- ENSURE YOUR PET HAS IDENTIFICATION
If your pet becomes lost in a storm, having appropriate ID can help them be reunited safely. Is your pet microchipped and has a collar with ID? - WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE OR FIND A PET
Contact our Rspca Qld Lost & Found team on 1300 363 736
Contact Council on 3829 8999
Contact local vets - TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR PETS ARE SAFE
Create a safe and secure space for your all of your animals
Don’t tether pets if outside – they may do themselves more harm trying to break free.
Provide access to water and food in heavy bowls if outdoors.
Keep your cats indoors.
Take time to prepare a Disaster Pet Preparedness Plan for you and your pet if you need to evacuate.
Ensure objects in your yard are tied down. - WATCH FOR WILDLIFE
Call 1300 ANIMAL to report any sick or injured animals in need of assistance.More information and tips can be found on the Queensland RSPCA website:
http://www.rspcaqld.org.au/ what-we-do/ care-for-animals/ animal-care-advice/ pet-tips-for-summer/storms
11am
We have plenty of sand bags in the Redlands, call the SES on 132 500 to find out where you can pick some up from.
It’s all hands on deck at @redlandsesunit with @CrKarenWilliams rolling up her sleeves #readyredlands pic.twitter.com/KB70usQCF8
— Redland City Council (@RedlandCouncil) February 19, 2015
10.50am
Now is the time to get your emergency kit ready! Here’s what you need:
- fresh water for three days
- three days worth of non-perishable food and can opener
- first aid kit
- portable radio
- torch
- sturdy gloves
- spare batteries for radio, torch and mobile phone
- essential medication
- mobile phone and charger
- important documents in sealed bags + cash
- baby formula + nappies
- waterproof bags
- toiletries
Download a copy of what you need in your emergency and evacuation kit from the Get Ready Queenlsand website.
10.30am: Queensland Police advise enabling geotagging on mobile devices
Queensland Police have urged the public to enable ‘geotagging’ on your mobile devices to assist emergency services to locate you. Find out how to enable geotagging on the MyPolice blog.
10.15am: Do you have an emergency kit ready?
Redland City Disaster Manager Mike Lollback and Redland SES Unit Controller Peter Gould talk about how you can get ready including what items you need in your emergency kit.
10am: Mayor Karen Williams says “Get ready Redlands!”
9am
Good morning Redland City, we will be updating this page throughout the day with live updates on preparations for Cyclone Marcia (Redlands).
