Preparing for emergencies

Emergencies are a part of the Australian landscape and one way or another will impact your small farm or acreage.

Yes sadly, bushfires, storms, floods and other emergencies are regular occurrences and can be devastating to communities.

As a land manager and household, you need to plan how you will prevent, prepare, respond and recover.

A flood or fire plan for your animals should include:

• how, when and where you will move them
• the safest place to leave stock if you have to vacate
• who will move your animals if you are absent in an emergency.

We encourage everyone to:

1. Know the risk to you, your animals and property
2. Know where to go
3. Know who to call
4. Know your plan
5. Have an emergency kit for you and your animals
6. Prepare now to act early

If you have livestock or companion animals that you can take with you during an evacuation, please make sure cages, floats, etc, are prepared and on hand, and ensure you have feed for 3-7 days. The Animal Welfare League of NSW have advice on how to prepare your animal emergency plan.

If you have large numbers of livestock, think about which paddocks you’d move them into in an emergency – preferably a ploughed or bare paddock and ensure they have adequate water.

Click here for information and tips to help you prepare for an emergency.

We encourage people to download the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fires Near Me app to their smart phone and turn on alerts as well as set up notification zones. If you already have this app, you may need to install the latest version. The NSW RFS Facebook page has information videos showing you how to set these up.

Seek further information by:

• Listening to your ABC local radio station
• Visiting the NSW RFS website
• Calling the Bush Fire Information Line (1800 679 737)
• Visiting the NSW RFS Facebook/Twitter pages

Should you find yourself in an emergency situation:

• Follow instructions from emergency services
• Call 000 if your life is at risk or you see a new fire
• Only travel if absolutely necessary
• Keep in touch with family, friends and neighbours - especially the elderly or less mobile

Please also take the time to review the NSW RFS’ advice regarding Lighting a fire during the fire season.

(Photo courtesy of NSW DPI).

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