It never rains... It pours.
We have all heard the warnings. We all have our ear to the ground and our eyes to the skies.
In horticulture, we are all budding meteorologists and hydrologists, so this stuff isn't new to us. We know what we need to do.
So why do some people prepare for the worst, and others do not. A study out of the Strategic Management Society in America (2021) examined this issue. The study found reasons why organisations may not adequately plan include:
- Day to day events crowding out long term planning.
- Previous organisational experience with an event.
- Owners/managers selective viewpoints and judgments about the risks.
- Type, frequency, and impact of previously known events.
In a nutshell, if you are busy, don't think an event is going to affect you (partly based on your own assumptions and partly based on your previous experiences), you may not take up the opportunity to plan.
The problem is trying to think clearly and make rational decisions during an event is difficult.
MORE IN OPINION:
Although I'm sure we all can understand how fatigued Queenslanders are when it comes to weather warnings, the messages keep coming loud and clear, the latest - It's time to get ready.
Given I haven't met a meteorologist that hasn't had a bad day, repeated reminders that weather can be unpredictable and now is the time to plan, isn't a bad thing.
There is a plethora of information out there which steps you through planning for yourself, your family, and your business.
It's not easy to make time, but it is worth it.
Unfortunately, no matter how much information is available, no matter how many warnings, the actual work is up to you.
In the coming months, may the rain fall softly on your fields, the wind be at your back like a gentle breeze and the sun shine warm upon your crops.
Resources to help you PREPARE your disaster response plan:
- www.business.qld.gov.au/disaster-hub
- daf.engagementhub.com.au/naturaldisasterecovery
Monitor and RESPOND during an event:
- Call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency
- State Emergency Services (SES) - 132 500
- Current weather warnings: www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/
- Current Tropical Cyclone warnings: www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/
- Local council disaster dashboard: www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards
- ABC local radio: www.abc.net.au/radio/stations/
- Queensland traffic: www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
Services to help you RECOVER:
- Complete the DAF Natural Disaster Impact Survey: survey123.arcgis.com/share/a65512900348401a812e57d743e4c104
- QRIDA: www.qrida.qld.gov.au/primary-producers
- Community Recovery Hotline - 1800 173 349 (open 24 hours)
- Rural Financial Counselling Service - 1300 771 741
- WorkSafe Qld: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/dangers-in-your-workplace/storms-and-floods
- Employment entitlements during natural disasters and emergencies: www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/fact-sheets/rights-and-obligations/employment-entitlements-during-natural-disasters-and-emergencies
- www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health
