Be Ready, Stay Safe: Council launches emergency planning sessions

7 November 2025 Southern Downs Regional Council is inviting the community to take proactive steps toward personal emergency preparedness with one-on-one drop-in sessions at the Warwick Library on Fridays and Saturdays from Friday 28 November until Christmas. As part of Disability Action Week, the Person-Centred Emergency Planning (P-CEP) sessions offer an inclusive and supportive space for people with a disability or anyone supporting someone vulnerable to receive advice on using preparedness tools, discuss potential risks and develop practical strategies to stay safe during an emergency. Southern Downs Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Melissa Hamilton said the most effective way to stay safe during an emergency is to be ready before it happens. "Preparation empowers us to act swiftly," Mayor Hamilton said. "These one-on-one sessions are a great opportunity for our community, especially our more vulnerable members, to ensure they have a plan in place in case of an emergency. "P-CEP offers a practical framework developed by people with lived experience, caregivers, community groups and emergency responders. "It's designed to help individuals shape emergency plans that reflect their unique circumstances, and it's especially valuable for people living with disability, older adults, those managing chronic health conditions or mental illness and others with support needs. "We encourage people with disability, carers and service providers to come along and take the necessary steps toward being better prepared." This initiative is a collaboration between Southern Downs Libraries and Council's Community Resilience Team, aiming to make emergency planning simple, inclusive and accessible for all. When: Every Friday & Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm until Christmas Where: Warwick Library, 72 Palmerin Street, Warwick Visit the Warwick Library for more information or contact Council's Community Resilience Team on 1300 697 372. Assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). What is Disability Action Week? Disability Action Week will be celebrated from 23 November to 30 November 2025. The theme for this year is Communicate. Connect. Create, focusing on accessible communication and importance of connecting and empowering people with disabilities. For more information on events across the region, visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/event/disability-action-week-2025. Useful resources for disaster preparedness https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/disaster-management/before-a-disaster https://http://disaster.sdrc.qld.gov.au/ Last edited date 07 Nov 2025