Cyclone Jasper cut a swathe of destruction through the Cape, leaving lives and properties in turmoil. Photo: File.
Cape York, Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area residents are urged to prepare for potential cyclones or other weather events in the region.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) chief executive Rex O’Rourke said health facilities were already well prepared for such situations.
“Whether it’s a cyclone, bushfire, floods or prolonged power outages, our region has seen it all,” he said.
Mr O’Rourke said health preparations for summer started months in advance to ensure the region was ready.
“Every health facility in the Torres and Cape HHS region has individual emergency management plans in place and staff members are familiar with these,’’ he said.
“Natural disasters are unpredictable which is why preparation is important, not only for the health service, but everyone in the community.
“That’s why, as part of our annual preparations, all our health facilities work closely with local government authorities and their communities as part of their Local Disaster Management Groups (LDMGs) to ensure our disaster preparedness plans are aligned.”
He said the health service also maintained community lists of vulnerable patients who might have specific needs during a disaster situation, such as dialysis patients and those requiring home oxygen supplies and special medications.
“Each of our facilities’ disaster preparedness plans includes detailed information of how such patients will be managed and supported as required,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“On a personal level, people need to have an emergency kit ready just in case they must evacuate.
“An emergency kit containing long-life food, drinking water, a radio, a torch, spare batteries, and toiletries will help families stay safe if the shops are closed, or if water or power supplies are disrupted.”
He said you should also store enough medicines, including prescription medicines, to last a week or so.
“And don’t forget supplies for your pets, including food any medications.
“If you are prepared and self-sufficient at home that will not only benefit your household but keep our emergency departments free for people who need urgent care.’’
Our health facilities are as prepared as they possibly can be: Rex O’Rourke. Photo: Supplied.
Mr O’Rourke said when a cyclone formed or other natural disaster occurred, the individual preparedness plans for those facilities likely to be affected were immediately activated.
“We have emergency generators at all our health facilities, and they are well supplied with adequate stocks of fuel,’’ he said. “Our facilities are also well stocked with food and medical supplies.
“We also have emergency communication channels in place using satellite phones if needed.
“We have post-cyclone recovery plans in place to move relieving clinical staff and repair and maintenance teams quickly around the region to any affected facilities where they might be needed following a cyclone.
“All in all, all our health facilities are as prepared as they possibly can be.’’
Extensive disaster preparedness and recovery information, as well as disaster-related health information is available at:
Australian Army soldiers conduct reconnaissance of access roads into Wujal Wujal after Cyclone Jasper strikes in December 2023. Photo: File.
