With cyclone Alfred potentially making landfall later this week, it's vital that we stay updated about extreme weather in our region and support each other wherever we can.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, contact triple zero (000).

For emergency assistance during a flood or storm, call NSW SES on 132 500.

STAY UPDATED

• Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for floods and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings. Download for iOS | Download for Android
  • You can also download the Emergency Plus App, developed by emergency services to help you share your exact location with authorities: https://www.emergencyplus.com.au/ 
• Know your risk. Information about the risks of potential flooding in your local area can be found via Local information page.
• Follow the Northern Rivers NSW SES on Facebook. You can also follow your local SES page:
  • SES Mullumbimby: https://www.facebook.com/SESMullumbimby
  • SES Tweed Coast: https://www.facebook.com/NSWSESTWC
  • SES Tweed Heads: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064312374953 
  • SES Lismore City: https://www.facebook.com/NSW.SES.Lismore.City 
  • SES Ballina: https://www.facebook.com/NSWSESBallina
• Listen to ABC North Coast Radio for updates on 94.5 FM. In Murwillumbah and surrounds, you can also listen to 720 AM. If your radio is broken, you can access ABC North Coast via https://www.abc.net.au/northcoast
• Know your warnings: The NSW SES will issue warnings for flooding using the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warnings:

MAKE A PLAN

Things to consider: 

• Is my home or business likely to be affected? Consider the landscape around your home or business. Are you on a flood plain? Are you near bushland? Are there any large trees with branches overhanging your home, car or powerlines? Visit your Local information page for more info.
• How can I secure my home? Pruning large overhanging branches, having tarps and guide ropes on hand and knowing how to use sandbags are all handy skills. You should also consider who might be able to secure your home if you are away or at work and can’t get back safely. Visit your local SES page on Facebook for information about where to access sandbags. You can also download the image below on your phone be pressing down on the image and selecting "download" 
  

• Where will you go if you have to evacuate? Whether it’s a family member’s or friend’s house or a central evacuation centre, make a note of where you can get to safely and quickly during an emergency. Many roads can be blocked or unsafe to drive on, especially through bushland or in low-lying flood-prone areas, so consider alternative routes.
• What arrangements can you make for pets? RSPCA has a guide on preparing your pet for an emergency and suggest making sure you include pet food and medication in your emergency kits, have at least two weeks of pet supplies at home and making sure your pets are microchipped and have collar tags with current contact details.  
• How does my plan change with different kinds of emergencies? You might need different preventative measures or evacuation plans for floods and fires. Make sure you have backup plans that take different circumstances into account.
• What do we need to take with us? Make a list of your most important things to pack when you need to leave quickly. You can’t take everything, so pack your emergency kits and a few changes of clothes in your car and see how much space is left. Think about what your most cherished valuables and mementos are. Most of your possessions can be replaced — so prioritise the ones that can’t. 
• What does my home and car insurance cover? Some insurance policies have exclusions and exceptions for natural disasters like bushfires and floods. Check your policies and assess whether it is appropriate for your home’s bushfire and flood risk. 
• Do you or your friends and family have a disability? The NSW SES has an Accessibility Resources guide you can access here. Carers NSW also has some helpful information here if you're a carer for someone with a disability. 
• Do I have all my key contacts saved? Make sure you get up-to-date contact details saved in your phone for your family, friends, neighbours and health network — especially your emergency contacts. It’s good to have a written down copy of key contacts in case of blackouts or losing your phone.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT

Items to pack now

The items on this list are suggestions for people living in various situations. Choose items that meet the needs of your individual household and aim to pack as little as possible at the last minute.

Food, water and essentials 

• Your Emergency Plans, including plans for pets/ animals 
• Emergency contact list 

• Radio (battery powered or hand cranked) – with spare batteries 

• First aid kit 

• Non-perishable food & water (including a can opener) 

Important documents 

• Photo ID 

• Proof of address e.g. utility bill  

• Insurance documents 

• Rental lease and landlord contact details 

• Passport, birth and marriage certificates 

• Will 

• Scan and save digital copies to the Cloud and/or USB 

Items to help you get away quickly 

• Cash (ATMs & EFTPOS may not work) 

• Maps (to navigate road closures) 

• Spare keys (home and car) 

• At least ¼ tank fuel 

Personal items 

• Toiletries – soap, toothbrush & paste, toilet paper, sanitary items, sunscreen etc. 

• Suitable clothing & footwear  

• Spare underwear 

• Protective equipment (thick gloves, face masks & safety glasses) 

• Whistle (for signaling for help) 

• Sleeping bags or blankets  

• Short list of personal valuables to pack last minute (when it’s a struggle to think) 

In case of power outage 

• Torch – with spare batteries 

• Candles & waterproof matches 

Health and wellbeing 

• Medical and ID bracelets for health conditions and/or people living with dementia 

• Sensory items – noise-cancelling headphones & tactile items 

• Communication tools & boards  

• Kids toys & games- a comfort toy, emergency themed picture books and figurines for role play are helpful 

• Items to support wellbeing for adults like walking shoes, crosswords, tennis ball etc.  

• Spare mobile phone headphones/ ear buds. 

• Eye mask 

Pet supplies 

• Proof of ownership 

• Microchip details 

• A photo of your pet 

• Pet food and water 

• Bowl, lead & accessories* 

* Refer to the NSW SES website for a checklist of items for pets.

Download the NSW SES Emergency kit checklist download

Make an emergency plan

Make your own emergency plan using the NSW SES Online Emergency Planning Tool.

Just before leaving, add these items to your kit 

• Phones, laptops and devices 

• Chargers, power banks & external storage drives 

• Medications for 5 days and prescriptions.**  

• A small esky and ice bricks for medications that need to be kept cool. (Wrap the meds to prevent direct contact with the ice) 

• Medicare card  

• Medical equipment & mobility aids  

• Baby supplies - formula, nappies & wipes 

• Personal valuables 

• Perishable food 

**Talk to your pharmacist about eScripts.  

Download the guide below to your phone by holding down the image and selecting "download" 

EVACUATION

To find out if an evacuation centre has been opened, monitor your local media channels and NSW SES social media pages. Also check your local council website.

Visit the Evacuation centres page for more on how to find and what to expect at an evacuation centre. 

Always prioritise your own safety and the safety of your family.

The best way to assist the community and emergency services is by keeping yourself safe and not putting yourself at risk. 

If you need to evacuate, get out as early as you can. 

Once you're prepared, get in touch with your neighbors to see how they're feeling about the situation and where they're at in terms of preparedness. Start a street group chat if you can. 

If you have friends or family in flood-prone areas, go help lift things if it's safe. 

See if you have family or friends who can accommodate you in the event of an evacuation. There are evacuation centers across the region, but it can assist emergency services and those in evacuation centers if you're able to stay with friends and family.