Storms

Know the warnings

The NSW SES will issue warnings for severe weather using the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warnings.

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for floods and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings.

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The Bureau of Meteorology issues Severe Weather Warnings when damaging waves or storm surge conditions are anticipated that may result in coastal erosion or inundation. These warnings are broadcast over local radio stations. Warnings are also available on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

You may not always receive an official warning. Look out for the natural signs of storms including gathering of heavy clouds, darkening skies, increasing winds, thunder, lightning and heavy rainfall.

For more information about NSW SES warnings click here

Get Ready

• Fix any damage to your roof including broken or missing tiles and any leaks.
• Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains to prevent blockage.
• Trim trees and branches that could potentially fall on your home or property.
• Make sure your insurance is current and covers you for what you need.
• Have a discussion with your family, friends and neighbours about what you will do if there is a storm.

Get your kit together

Put together an emergency kit with items you may need in an emergency:

• A list of emergency numbers
• A portable battery powered radio
• A battery powered torch
• Spare batteries
• Gloves
• A first aid kit
• Candles and waterproof matches
• Important papers (insurance, certificates, passports, etc.)
• A copy of your emergency plans
• A waterproof bag

For more information about putting your emergency kit from NSW SES click here

Make an emergency plan

The NSW SES home emergency plan is specially designed for storm events.
Being prepared now can significantly reduce:

• Loss of life
• Loss of property
• Loss of possessions

Being prepared now can also help you respond better and recover faster when these events happen.

Develop a business emergency management plan

A good business emergency management plan prepares you and your business for unexpected disruptions.

Use the Australian Government Business emergency management plan template to prepare an emergency management and recovery plan to help protect your business before, during and after an emergency.

Develop an emergency management plan | business.gov.au

• Do not travel unless you absolutely need to.
• Secure or put away items that could blow around in strong winds.
• Seek secure shelter away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas.
• In a cyclone or tornado, go to a safer shelter immediately.
• Move vehicles under cover, away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas.
• Bring children and pets indoors and keep away from windows.
• If driving, find secure shelter away from trees, powerlines, and low-lying areas Turn around at flooded roads and find a safer way to go to seek shelter.
• Listen to local media for information, updates and advice.
• Follow all advice from emergency services.

If you are trapped by rising flooding, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building (do not go into roof cavities) or on high ground. Stay there and call (Triple Zero) 000 if you need to be rescued. This is a life-threatening situation.

For more information, please see NSW SES website

• Check your house or property for damage.
• Follow health and safety advice.
• Seek professional assessments from qualified assessors for any damaged structures, electrical items and insurance.
• Stay around your location. Sightseeing will hinder recovery efforts or put yourself and others at risk.
• Avoid fallen powerlines.
• Check to see if your neighbours need help.

If you need assistance, please contact the NSW SES on 132 500.

In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero).

For more information on when to call the NSW SES please visit https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/when-to-call/