With major storms and bushfires likely to occur in the region in coming months, Central Coast Council is urging residents to start a conversation with their family, friends and neighbours about preparing for seasonal hazards.
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said that being prepared for emergencies can save lives, property and help the community recover quicker from disaster events when they do occur.
“This year we’re facing La Niña climate conditions, which means we can expect to see above average rainfall and more severe and more frequent storms,” Hart said.
“The Central Coast is a beautiful place to live, work and holiday, but we must remember bushfires and storms happen every summer in Australia so we must be prepared.”
Commissioner of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons, said conversations need to be had around being prepared for any emergency.
“Our emergency service organisations do an incredible job of keeping us safe, but they can only do so much,” he said.
“Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility, whether you’re at home, at work or away on holidays.”
Five simple steps are recommended to get ready for whatever the coming months throw at us: know your risk; make a plan; get your home ready; be aware; and look out for each other.
Fitzsimmons said you need first to think about the area you’re in or the location of your holiday destination and the types of disasters that could affect you.
You should sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area or when you are away on holidays.
Prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance coverage.
Find out how to prepare, what to do if there is a disaster in your area or while you are away on holidays.
Connect with NSW emergency services or keep on top of news reports if travelling so you can stay informed.
Share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance.
Community members can download their copy of the Central Coast Get Ready Guide to create a detailed plan to prepare for emergencies.
Visit the Central Coast Emergency Dashboard for more information on how you can get ready and to see live updates from lead emergency services for the Central Coast.
Central Coast Council is part of Get Ready, a community preparedness program coordinated by Resilience NSW.
Source:
Media release, Jan 10
Central Coast Council