Following recent rain, the State Emergency Service (SES) is calling on Queenslanders to stay out of flood waters.
Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Mark Furner said it was never safe to drive through flood waters and doing so could put lives at risk.
“Danger can be well-hidden by flood waters and the smartest and bravest thing a driver can do is to back up – if it’s flooded, forget it,” Mr Furner said.
“Also, make sure your household has an emergency kit packed and ready, and download the SES Assistance QLD app for storm-related assistance,” he said.
Commissioner for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Greg Leach said QFES was well-prepared and ready to respond to emergencies arising from the conditions.
“We have deployed SES flood boats to various locations throughout the Darling Downs region, along with Fire and Rescue Service swift-water crews,” Commissioner Leach said.
“We have also deployed a swift-water rescue crew from Rockhampton to Emerald in preparation for the bad weather ahead,” he said.
The Commissioner said another part of the QFES’ capability was the use of a helicopter to transport technical rescuers with their equipment and drop them into locations that were difficult to access.
“It’s not too long ago that this helicopter was used to support bushfire fighting efforts, so it’s a reminder that Queensland’s weather can be volatile and Queenslanders need to prepare for anything,” Commissioner Leach said.
