Get Ready with family, friends and neighbours

Eurobodalla Council is encouraging families, friends and neighbours to use the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Get Ready Weekend on 19-20 September to prepare for the bushfire season and start a broader conversation about being aware of and prepared for all hazards.

The bushfire danger period has already recommenced in Eurobodalla due to local conditions.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said the prospect of facing another fire season was difficult to think about with our community still reeling from the 2019/20 bushfires.

“The 2019/20 bushfire season was the most devastating bushfire season in our state’s history. It was a stark reminder of the danger of fire,” she said.

“It was also a reminder of the importance of being prepared and having a plan.”

Cr Innes said the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements observed that all Australians, particularly those in high-risk areas, must take steps to prepare themselves and their families for natural disasters.

“I encourage residents to talk with your neighbours about getting ready – and offer help to our older community members if you can,” she said.

“Those who don’t know where to start can reach out to their local RFS brigade, or visit the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au - it has lots of great resources on how to be prepared.”

To support early planning and preparation, the NSW RFS will host its annual Get Ready Weekend on 19-20 September, in person and online.

The local RFS branches of South Durras, Long Beach, Batemans Bay, Broulee, Bingie, Tuross Head, Bodalla, Belowra, Nerrigundah, Dalmeny, Narooma, and Central Tilba (at Mystery Bay) will all be holding Get Ready events this year. For more information find your local RFS brigade on Facebook or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Commissioner of Resilience NSW Shane Fitzsimmons encouraged everyone to have a conversation around being prepared for emergency, whatever the hazard may be.

“Each year, communities across NSW may experience bushfires, home fires, floods, storms, heatwaves, power outages and other emergencies,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“This year alone has been one of unparalleled emergencies. Communities across NSW were first impacted by drought, bushfire, then storm and flood, now pandemic - and all in quick succession. This has highlighted how important it is to be prepared for all hazards.

“Our emergency service organisations do an incredible job keeping us safe, but they can only do so much. Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility.”

The RFS advises you can get ready in five simple steps:

1. Know your risk - think about the area you’re in and the types of disasters that could affect you;

2. Plan now for what you will do - sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area;

3. Get your home ready - prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance coverage;

4. Be aware - find out how to prepare, what to do if there is a disaster in your area and connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed; 

5. Look out for each other - share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance.