Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to ‘Get Ready’ for bush fire and storm events, by using the month of September to be more prepared and attend a community preparedness event.  

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said bush fires and severe storms are more common this time of year and can impact any of our communities on the Central Coast.

“The community preparedness events are designed to empower the community to understand their own risks, be well prepared and connect with neighbours to help build resilience," Ms Smith said.  

“History has shown that being prepared, aware and connected makes our community stronger and able to recover well after a natural disaster.

“The unseasonably hot weather in the last week of winter and first week of spring, has shown us that it is important not to wait until it’s too late, and start preparing now."

Warmer weather has arrived, so this month residents are encouraged to ‘Get Ready’:

• Download the Red Cross Get Prepared app during Red Cross Emergency Redi Week (16-22 September), which guides users to make important decisions ahead of time by completing a personal emergency RediPlan.
• Attend a local NSW RFS Get Ready Weekend event (21-22 September). A number of Central Coast Brigades are holding events in the Community. Find events near you.
• Attend our ‘Get Ready’ information session with Ourimbah RFS on 28 September, 10.30am-12.30pm, to gain practical tips in preparing for the upcoming bush fire season, and have an opportunity discuss their bush fire survival plans with RFS members. Find out more. 
• Check out our online resources and guides that can help you to understand how bush fires and storms can affect you so, you can be better prepared to help protect your family, property and pets.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said we know that severe weather and other emergency events will continue to be a part of our lives on the Central Coast, and these can occur at any moment.

"We are committed to keeping the community safe and are partnering with emergency services and key community organisations to raise awareness about emergency preparedness to assist members of the community," Mr Hart said.

“Regardless of whether you have recently moved to the Central Coast or have been a resident for decades – now is the time to understand your risks and create an up-to-date home emergency plan. I encourage our community to take the time to be better prepared."

For information and resources on preparing for storms, bushfire, heatwaves and other emergency events, search ‘plan and prepare’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au