Narrandera Shire Council is encouraging families, friends and neighbours to start a conversation about being aware of and prepared for seasonal hazards.

The fire season started early this summer and we’ve already witnessed its devastating impacts in areas across Australia.

Communities face multiple hazards during the warmer months and bush fires aren’t the only threat. Each year, communities across NSW experience bush fires, home fires, floods, storms, heatwaves, power outages and other emergencies.

Starting a conversation around being prepared for these hazards is the first step to becoming prepared for possible emergencies.

As we continues to brace for severe weather conditions throughout summer, it’s important to remember 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, whether you’re at home or away on holidays.

Get ready for summer now 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.

Get Ready is a community preparedness program coordinated by the NSW Office for Emergency Management. Find out more at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/getready.

In the event of a bushfire in NSW, the NSW Office for Emergency Management will co-ordinate and determine suitable evacuation plans and evacuation points for affected communities.

In the case of a localised emergency residents and visitors will be advised on steps and actions to undertake.

The current designated evacuation centres include:

• Narrandera Stadium, 2 Victoria Avenue, Narrandera
• Narrandera Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 41 Bolton Street, Narrandera
• Commemoration Hall Grong Grong, 53 Balaro Street, Grong Grong
• Barellan Public Hall, 79 Bendee Street, Barellan
• Binya Public Hall, 5429 Burley Griffin Way, Binya
• Sandigo Hall, Sturt Highway, Sandigo
• Marie Bashir Park, Cadell Street, Narrandera

For more bushfire information and access to live updates please visit:

• Hotspots - https://hotspots.dea.ga.gov.au/
• Fires near me - https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me
• Emergency VIC - https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
• Live Traffic - https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html
• Rural Fire Service - https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare