IMPORTANT FLOOD AND HEALTH INFORMATION                13/01/2011

Despite the peak water levels being approximately a meter below the 1974 floods, the reality of the situation is that many Brisbane homes and businesses have been significantly affected by these waters. Many people have evacuated their homes and have taken refuge in the homes of friends and family and in evacuation centres across Brisbane.

It is important to remember that during this time and even in the aftermath of this event, these environmental conditions tend to increase the risk for infectious diseases being passed on especially when people are in close concentration. QLD health has noted in a recent report that skin infections, diarrhoeal disease, respiratory infections and mosquito-borne diseases are the most common infectious diseases after floods in Queensland. If you do contract something or you are unsure, please visit your GP to avoid the spread of these diseases. There are also a number of QLD health fact sheets available online.

• Floodwater
• Returning Flood
• Disaster

In this situation it is therefore very important to listen to instructions of police and other authorities. It should be noted that authorities have asked all residents to avoid travelling into the CBD. Due to health risks AMA Queensland has warned of the dangerous nature of walking and swimming in flood waters especially unnecessarily. The Queensland government has asked people to try to stay calm, be prepared and informed. Authorities have also asked if residents can cooperate with SES, police and other authorities if evacuation is required.

In this time we need to be aware of the dangers and the problems that will continue to threaten our city in the weeks or even months to come. In our area around Chermside many people have been virtually unaffected by the Brisbane floods however for many someone they know has been. The amount of support by locals around Brisbane has been phenomenal and if you would like to help especially with the clean up which is to follow the devastation please call Volunteer Australia on 1800 994 100 or register at Volunteer Australia. You can also help by donating to the Premier’s flood appeal. 

Chermside Medical Centre is continuing operation as per normal and will continue to do so until further notice. We hope to provide assistance to the community in every way we can. Below are important links to provide you with up-to-date information.

For local flood warnings please visit BOM
Road closures
Flood maps
Brisbane Planned power outages 

ABC local radio is also giving out up to the minute warnings and constant coverage Use the Frequency Finder for ABC Local Radio in your area.

We hope you all stay safe and well.

Kind Regards,

The Chermside Medical Centre Team