With extreme weather and floods impacting NSW, it’s critical we know what support is available. Here are five tips from Multicultural NSW for keeping safe during this uncertain time.

1. Be prepared.

  • Prepare an emergency kit and have an emergency plan in place.
  • Prepare your evacuation route and check for any road closures. Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
  • Listen to your local radio station for information, updates and advice.
  • Contact neighbours, friends and family and see if they need help to move to higher ground.
  • Find out where any evacuation centres are set up in your area. You will find translated content about finding your evacuation centre here.

2. Know how to contact emergency services. In life-threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately. For emergency help call the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500. Check for local flood warnings and NSW community advice on the SES website.

3. Stay safe. Avoid entering floodwaters. Visit the SES website for information on how to stay safe during a storm. For information about road closures due to floods, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701. After flooding, please take necessary health and safety precautions when returning to your property.

Remember that flood waters can make you sick. You will find translated information about the risk of flood water to your health here.

Remember that COVID-19 remains in the community. Where possible, stay COVID-safe. If you feel unwell and have to evacuate, wear a mask and seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19 and need to evacuate stay with family or friends who are vaccinated, and are not high-risk, or at a hotel if possible. If you can’t find accommodation, you can go to an evacuation centre and alert staff immediately.

4. Donate responsibly. Do not donate unwanted goods to NSW communities affected by recent storms and floods. People wanting to donate goods or financial support are asked to take advantage of the established arrangements between the NSW Government and national non-for-profit GIVIT. Find out more here.

5. Reach out for support. By calling Service NSW on 13 77 88 you can be connected to services and support including emergency accommodation, financial assistance, insurance advice or help replacing lost identification. Local businesses may be eligible for Disaster Relief Assistance and support from the NSW Government. If you have a small business impacted by the storms and floods, you can sign up to be alerted when financial assistance will be available via Service NSW. For more information visit the Service NSW storms and floods business information hub.

Mental health support is also available. Call the 24-hour NSW Mental Health Support Line on 1800 011 511 or visit nsw.gov.au for information.

Stay safe everyone!

– Your friends at SECC

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