NSW emergency services get ready for summer
Published Date: 01 Dec 2014
Summary
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres has joined NSW Police and Emergency Services Commissioners to mark the start of summer and ensure the community is ready for the weather conditions the season can bring.
"This summer is shaping up to be extremely challenging, with warmer than normal conditions forecast and above average fire activity expected," Mr Ayres said.
"Be it bush fires, storms or flooding, being prepared is what will save your life and the lives of your family.
"As the weather heats up, preparing for disasters can help you and your family cope and make better decisions when disaster strikes," Mr Ayres added.
With NSW already experiencing extreme heat in the past month, Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is urging families to prepare their bush fire survival plan.
"People should be preparing their properties, which means clearing gutters, maintaining gardens and checking equipment such as hoses, pumps and generators," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) Acting Commissioner Jim Smith said it is important the public recognises the risks associated with summer.
"Storms and floods often happen with little warning, that's why it's vital people prepare themselves now to reduce the amount of damage caused in severe weather," Mr Smith said.
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins is reminding home owners to remain vigilant with nearly a quarter of all residential fires occur during summer.
"Residents cannot be complacent about home fire safety even with the warmer weather, so ensure you have a working smoke alarm and a practised home escape plan," Commissioner Mullins added.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said police officers are quite often on the frontline during disasters, working shoulder to shoulder with the thousands of paid and volunteer officers.
"We all have a role to play, no matter where we live. So sit down with your family tonight or in the days to come and take the five simple steps and get ready for summer," Commissioner Scipione said
The five steps to get ready are:
- Know your risk
- Plan for what you will do
- Get your home ready
- Be informed
- Look out for each other
Minister Ayres has also launched the "Get Ready" website for tips on how to prepare for a disaster and links to emergency service agencies and information.
"The people of NSW have a long history of helping one another in times of trouble and preparing for disasters is no exception," Mr Ayres said.
"When disaster comes, being prepared is what will save your life and the lives of your family."
For more information on how to prepare, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/getready
