MUSWELLBROOK Shire Council (MSC) is encouraging families, friends and neighbours to use the beginning of the holiday period as the start of a conversation about being aware of, and prepared for, seasonal hazards.
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott recently joined with representatives of frontline emergency service organisations to highlight the multiple hazards communities across NSW face and urge them to Get Ready for summer.
"Aussie summers are iconic," MSC general manager Fiona Plesman said.
"They can also be tragic.
"The bushfire season started early this year and we've already witnessed the devastating impacts in areas across NSW.
"However, bushfires aren't the only threat.
"Each year, communities across NSW experience bushfires, home fires, floods, storms, heatwaves, power outages and other emergencies.
"As the state braces for severe weather conditions throughout summer, it's important to remember our emergency organisations do an incredible job keeping us safe, but they can only do so much.
"Being aware and prepared is everyone's responsibility, whether you are at home or away on holidays."
Get Ready for summer now in five 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 - talk with your family and plan what you will do if a disaster affects your area;
* Get your home ready - prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and check your insurance coverage;
* Be aware - find out how to prepare, what to do if there is a disaster and connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed;
* Look out for each other - share information with family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance.
Get Ready is a community preparedness program coordinated by the NSW Office for Emergency Management.
Find out more at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/getready
