Get ready for disasters

Each year, communities across NSW experience a range of emergencies, including bushfires, home fires, floods, storms, heatwaves and power outages.

This year we’ve seen an unparalleled number of events impacting large areas of NSW happen in quick succession, highlighting the importance of being prepared for all hazards.

Our emergency service organisations do an incredible job keeping us safe, but they can only do so much.

Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility.

Get Ready in 5 simple steps

Know your risk – think about the area you’re in and the types of disasters that could affect you;

Plan now for what you will do – sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area;

Get your home ready – prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance coverage;

Be aware – find out how to prepare, what to do if there is a disaster in your area and connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed;

Look out for each other – share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance

Prepare for bushfire

Following the devastating 2019/20 bushfire season, communities are understandably keen to know more about getting ready in the lead up to the 2021/22 season.

Every year, the NSW Rural Fire Service hosts a “Get Ready Weekend” to help you get ready for the upcoming bush fire season. NSW RFS brigades reach out to their local communities every year via social media and other online means. Many brigades hold online meetings, social media campaigns and other contactless activities to help ensure the community is prepared for the fire season.

There are four simple steps to get ready for a bush fire:

Step 1: Discuss what to do if a bush fire threatens your home
What will you do in a bush fire? Make a plan now. Get the whole household together and discuss your plan, step-by-step. Many households find that having a discussion over dinner works best as everybody is together and focussed.
Download: Step 1 Discussion Guide [PDF – 985 KB]

Step 2: Prepare your home and get it ready for bushfire season
There are simple things you can do around your home to prepare it for a bush fire, like keeping the grass low and having a cleared area around your home. You need to prepare well beforehand as leaving it to the last minute is too late.
Download: Step 2 Discussion Guide [PDF – 595KB]

Step 3: Know the bush fire alert levels
If there is a fire in your area, you will find its alert level on the NSW RFS website and in the ‘Fires Near Me’ app. You need to keep track of the alert level so you know what you should do. Ensure you monitor the Fire Danger Rating daily, even before a fire starts. The higher the danger rating, the more dangerous a fire is likely to be.
Download: Step 3 Discussion Guide [PDF – 166KB]

Step 4: Keep all the bush fire information numbers, website and the smartphone app
During a bush fire, you could lose power and telecommunications. Do not reply on just one source of information. In a bush fire, it’s important that you stay up to date on conditions in your area.
Download: Step 4 Discussion Guide [PDF – 219KB]

It takes 5 minutes to improve or make a plan that will give your property, your family and yourself the best chance of survival should you be threatened by a bush fire.

To keep up to date with local bush fire information, follow your local RFS brigade’s Facebook page for information as it becomes available. You can also visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Make plans for your animals

Animals need to go with you if you have to evacuate your home. It is safer for them and you.

Make an Animal Emergency Plan or visit www.getreadyanimals.nsw.gov.au for further information.