Before a disaster

Here in the Clarence Valley, we're lucky to enjoy a subtropical climate and diverse and spectacular natural landscapes including river systems, bushland and beaches. 

But like most of Australia, we are also prone to severe weather events - floods, bushfires, heatwaves and severe storms. The best way to minimise the impact of these is to be prepared.

By following five simple steps in preparing for a disaster, you can help protect yourself, your family, your pets and your property.

5 steps to prepare for a disaster

Step 1.Know your risk

Think about the area you live in and the types of disasters that could affect you.

  1. Check the hazards in your location
  2. Check your personal situation
  3. Check the strengths and weaknesses of your property
  4. Assess your neighbourhood and communication
  5. Information for your extreme weather plan

 

Step 2.Plan what you will do in an emergency

Sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area.  

Also think about:

  • When to leave, what to take, and what to do with animals? Don't leave it until the last minute. Disasters can happen with little or no warning. 
  • How will you, your family and neighbours get to a safe place? If separated how will you contact each other? 
  • How you will protect your pets, important documents and valuable personal items?
  • What would you include in your emergency kit? Prepare an emergency kit or visit Red Cross OR SES who have details on what to include.  
  • Plan how you will escape a fire in your home and practice it with your family.
  • Do you have neighbours who may need help in an emergency?

 

Step 3.Get your home ready

Prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance.

  • Trim overhanging trees and branches and remove dead and dry vegetation from around the house.
  • Clean out gutters and downpipes.
  • Secure or put away loose items in your yard or balcony.
  • Check the roof is in good repair. 
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. 
  • Make sure that your home and contents insurance is up-to-date.

Be ready for an emergency evacuation

What to expect at an evacuation centre

Step 4.Be aware 

Find out how to prepare and what to do if there is a disaster in your area.

Connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed, they have the most up to date and accurate information. 

Here are the best ways to stay informed:

Remember to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours and share important updates about where you are with them.

Learn more about the Australian Warning System

Step 5.Look out for each other

Share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance.

Everyone can help each other in many ways in an emergency.

You and your neighbours can work together to prepare your homes, provide shelter and look after pets during a disaster. Neighbours can also often provide help to those who need greater assistance during emergency situations.

Together we can be stronger together by being prepared, looking out for one another and staying informed.

Projects enhancing community preparedness

Clarence Valley Council supports initiatives that enhance community awareness of the risk natural hazards pose to residents to improve their planning and preparedness for future disasters.

Some of the projects Council has recently supported and delivered include:

SimTables for community empowerment

The SimTables for community empowerment project used a 3D modelling tool to demonstrate potential fire behaviour on catastrophic fire danger rated days to allow participants to understand their risk and improve their individual fire survival plans. The SimTables project was completed in December 2023.

See the story in our Clarence Magazine Volume 4, page 27

Disability Inclusive Emergency Planning

In collaboration with the New School of Arts Neighbourhood House Inc. Recovery Support Services and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Clarence Valley Council hosted a disability inclusive Emergency planning forum, facilitated by Michelle Villeneuve, Deputy Director at the centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney. On the 18 November 2024, 37 community stakeholders came together to discuss factors that impact the safety and well-being of people with disabilities during emergencies. The forum was attended by people with a disability, their carers, disability and health service providers, Government agencies and emergency services. The report can be found here.

See the story in our Clarence Magazine Volume 10, page 23

Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan

Clarence Valley Council is one of seven local government areas to be included in the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP), the first multi-hazard DAP in NSW. The Northern Rivers DAP will be developed in partnership with all levels of government, communities, emergency services, industry and technical specialists. While in the early stages of development, the Northern Rivers DAP aims to reduce risk where we can and adapt where we can’t. As part of the development process, community feedback will be engaged.

See more information on the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan here.

Related Information

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