Prepare for an emergency

Start your ready check today and think about the areas we live in and the types of disasters that could affect us.

1. Check the hazards in your location
2. Check your personal situation
3. Check the strengths and weaknesses of your property
4. Assess your neighbourhood and communication
5. Information for your extreme weather plan.   

Bush Fires

Check the RFS NSW website 

Flooding

Check the NSW SES Byron LGA flood awareness web pages for information on flooding in the Byron Shire.

Storms

Follow the SES NSW 8 tips for getting ready for storm season

Sit down and talk with your family, friends and even neighbours and complete your plan. Think about:

• When to leave, what to take, and what to do with animals? Don't leave it until the last minute. Disasters can happen with little or no warning. 
• How will you, your family and neighbours get to a safe place? If separated how will you contact each other? 
• How you will protect your pets, important documents and valuable personal items?
• What would you include in your emergency kit? Prepare an emergency kit or visit Red Cross OR SES who have details on what to include.  
• Plan how you will escape a fire in your home and practice it with your family.
• Do you have neighbours who may need help in an emergency? 

Use the NSW SES Planning tool if you need help developing your plan.

In an emergency, an evacuation centre may be opened.

The location is usually confirmed at the time of disaster based on safety and other emergency management factors.

The lead agency is usually the RFS or SES. They will produce alerts informing you about an evacuation centre being opened.

Where to find information about evacuation centres

Hazard’s near Me app

Byron Shire Disaster Dashboard

We will help to promote any SES or RFS messaging about an evacuation centre being opened.

Evacuation centres are a last resort option and meet the immediate needs of people who have left their properties in an emergency.

They can provide shelter, food and clothing. They are not necessarily comfortable. You can take your pet to an evacuation centre. 

More information

• How to find an evacuation centre | NSW Government
• Register.Find.Reunite.

Prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance.

• Trim overhanging trees and branches and remove dead and dry vegetation from around the house.
• Clean out gutters and downpipes.
• Secure or put away loose items in your yard or balcony.
• Check the roof is in good repair. 
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. 
• Make sure that your home and contents insurance is up-to-date.   

Use the NSW SES Planning tool if you need help developing your plan.

Everyone can help each other in many ways in an emergency.

You and your neighbours can work together to prepare your homes, provide shelter and look after pets during a disaster. Neighbours can also often provide help to those who need greater assistance during emergency situations. 

• Northern Settlement Services also have resources in multiple languages. 
• NSW Rural Fire Services have many Translated factsheets available.

• Red Cross Emergency preparedness videos in community languages