Preparation and Response

Tune in to stay informed 
Warnings and alerts
Useful apps during a disaster
Shelter and evacuation options

In the event of a disaster or emergency, it is important to stay calm. Follow your prepared emergency plan and, if possible, visit our disaster dashboard RegionWatch or tune into local radio to stay informed and promptly follow instructions from authorities.

Tune in to stay informed 

RegionWatch 

RegionWatch is our community’s online platform for reliable, up-to-date and vital information during emergencies and disasters. For the latest information, weather warnings, power outages and road conditions, visit RegionWatch. 

Visit RegionWatch

Radio Stations

It is vital that you tune into your local radio station in the event of an emergency.

• ABC Radio National - 95.9 FM Gladstone, 89.9 FM Miriam Vale, 103.1 FM Rockhampton, 100.9 Wide Bay
• ABC News Radio - 96.7 FM Gladstone, 105.5 FM Rockhampton
• ABC Radio - 99.1 FM Gladstone, 100.1 FM Wide Bay
• ABC Radio - 837 AM / 855 AM
• 4CC - 927 AM Gladstone, 98.3 FM Agnes Water
• Hit CQ - 93.5 FM 
• Triple M CQ - 95.1 FM, 101.5

Warnings and alerts

Council utilises a number of communication methods to issue warnings and alerts to the community, including:

• Disaster dashboard RegionWatch
• Gladstone Regional Council website
• Social media - Facebook, Twitter – including live streamed updates
• Radio and TV updates
• Media releases
• Face-to-face (i.e. door knocking)
• Register for Warnings.

Register for Warnings on RegionWatch

Council is transitioning the process by which we provide early warnings to the community through expanding the use of RegionWatch. This will allow Council to streamline communications and provide improved connectivity with the community during disasters and weather events.

Any users currently registered with Council’s Early Warning Network system, will need to Register for Warnings to continue receiving communications and alerts.

To sign up please follow these instructions:

1. Go to http://regionwatch.gladstone.qld.gov.au/
2. Click on ‘Register for Warnings’
3. Complete registration form

As of 31 December 2020 the previous communication system will no longer function, so it is important users are registered on RegionWatch before the new year.

Registering for Warnings on RegionWatch is free for users and will allow Council to share emergency news, severe weather events and other public safety alerts with you. Register now and be better prepared and protected for emergencies and disasters.

Useful apps during a disaster

Stay connected and informed during a natural disaster by downloading the following apps onto your smart phone.

Useful apps 

Shelter and evacuation options

Prior to each storm season, Gladstone Region residents should develop a household emergency plan that includes evacuation and shelter considerations based on their circumstances and exposure to risk.

While the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) will set up a place of refuge and/or an evacuation centre. These are set up with only the very bare essentials and depending on the severity and damage following an event are not always intended to be opened for the time of an event. Therefore, the preference and recommendation is to always try and either shelter in place or find an alternative location. 

Shelter in place if you live in a well-constructed home located outside of a storm tide evacuation zone, your best option is to plan and prepare to shelter in place in your home with your family, friends and pets. Identify the strongest, most protected part of your home to shelter in which is usually the smallest room in the house with the least number of windows and external walls.

Evacuate to shelter in a safer place if you are potentially at risk, your best option is to prearrange your evacuation so you can shelter in a safer place with friends or family. Consider commercial accommodation or shelter options in your community as a last resort.

The decision to prepare and open buildings as a place of refuge and evacuation centre is made by the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and will be broadcast to the community via local media as the community escalates. Follow Council’s disaster dashboard, RegionWatch, listen to radio or contact Council for the location of buildings designated for use during an event.

Register with Register. Find.Reunite

This Australian Red Cross service allows our community to register, find and reunite family, friends and loved ones after a disaster event. Visit the Register.Find.Reunite website for more information.