It’s important to think about the area you live in, your circumstances and the types of disasters that could affect you.

Use our online tools for flooding and bush fires to help you understand your risk.

Ensure you have a current emergency plan in place which considers your risks, abilities and resources, plus an emergency evacuation kit ready to go. 

Helpful tools to make a plan:

• Use the SES or RFS websites to find a plan to suit your location and risks
• Prepare an emergency kit or Emergency Go Box
• Download the Australian Red Cross Get Prepared App 
• Complete an Australian Red Cross Redi plan, go to redcross.org.au
• Plan for your animals  
• Plan to get your business ready

Know in advance where to find critical information in the lead up to, or during, an emergency event, and download key emergency apps.

ABC Central Coast is the local emergency broadcaster. Listen at 92.5FM, online or download the ABC listen app.

View our web page for emergency contacts and staying informed information for the Central Coast.

Don’t wait for an emergency to build community networks with neighbours.  Get to know each other now, share your plans with neighbours, friends and family and identify your community strengths and weaknesses to be able to plan for them in advance.  

• Identify those in your neighbourhood who may need help to prepare. If your neighbour’s house is at risk, yours is too! 
• Identify those who will need assistance in an emergency and plan for this 
• Identify what resources could be shared in your community before, during and after an emergency 
• Look out for each other in recovery, the stress of an emergency will impact on everyone differently 
• Remember everyone has something to offer in an emergency, help can come in many ways during a disaster 
• Create contact lists for your community so in an emergency communication will be much easier

Discover more tips.

Heatwaves not only affect your daily activities, but can be a serious risk to your health and wellbeing. 

How to prepare for a heatwave: 

• Plan ahead for the heat 
• Consider possible ‘cool spots’ or places to go to escape the heat
• Get medical advice regarding how heat may affect your medications
• Prepare home and garden for summer heat
• Install insulation into walls and roof cavities as well as blinds, external to house on western walls 
• Plant strategic trees to block sun on the house and for cool garden refuges

For further information on preparing for heatwaves and hot weather, go to NSW Health or Get Ready NSW.

An ability to adapt and respond to emergency events or natural disasters builds resilience.  Learn how connected communities are key, and how you can build your resilience. 

Disaster preparedness information and resources for carers, older people, people living with disability, care service providers and community organisations:

• Care2Prepare
• NSW State Emergency Service (SES)