Emergency Information

Make sure that you and your family are well prepared for any emergency, including severe weather events and bushfires that may come your way throughout the year.

Have on hand a re-chargeable torch, but make sure that it is fully charged. Charge at least once a month to ensure there has plenty of battery power available when you need it. The other option is a simple battery powered torch which nearly every household has. This is probably the best option.

It is IMPORTANT to always store your emergency kit IN THE SAME PLACE at all times. Many accidents have been caused by people falling over furniture in the dark because they were stumbling around looking for a torch.

Have a pack of candles and a box of matches at the ready. Store the candles in a cool place, away from direct sunlight otherwise when you go to use the candles, they will be melted and unusable.

Remember, candles burn down and torches go flat. Have sufficient spare batteries, boxes of matches and candles to provide you with enough light to last at least a week.

If you go camping with friends and family, you no doubt will have portable outdoor living equipment that will be very useful in an emergency. Examples may be a gas or fuel-tablet stove, battery or gas lantern or even a portable gas or battery powered hot water shower.

Get yourself and your family a portable battery-powered radio, capable of receiving AM and FM broadcasts. If the power fails, you will still be able to hear warnings and information from the local broadcasters. This radio will be one of the most important tools in your emergency kit.

Your motor vehicle has a battery powered radio as well: the car stereo! However, you may not have access to your car when an emergency arrives, so a portable radio is the best to have in your kit.

If the weather forecast predicts storms and severe weather, boil the kettle early and fill your Thermos or other heat retaining flask. Then you will have hot water if the power fails during the severe weather event and you can have that cup of coffee or warm the baby’s bottle.

If your house has an electric motor-driven pump for the main water supply, fill enough buckets and bottles with fresh water to last you for a few days. The reason: if the power fails, so will your water supply – including your drinking water and toilet flushing.

Remember: listen to your local radio station for the latest community emergency advice, information and warnings, particularly when danger is imminent. Your local radio station is in contact with all the local emergency services 24 hours a day and will be your best immediate resource for information during an emergency.

Check out the Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire and Rescue, SES and other emergency services websites for the latest information and tips on being prepared and ready for that next emergency to arrive where you live. Being prepared will save you and your family a lot of hassles and inconvenience in times of crisis. It will also increase your families chance of surviving emergencies when they arrive.

BE PREPARED AND LOCALLY AWARE. IT’S YOUR BEST INSURANCE WHATEVER COMES YOUR WAY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR