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Getting ready for an emergency

You think it will never happen to you, until it does. Are you ready for a disaster?

Every year flood, fire and other disasters affect peoples' lives and may cause millions of dollars in property damage.

Being prepared can save lives and help you and your family make better decisions when disaster strikes.

It all starts with a conversation and following these 3 simple steps. Now is the time to talk with your family, friends and neighbours about preparing for emergencies.

The Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN) details the response and recovery arrangements within the Port Stephens Local Government Area to ensure a coordinated response during emergency incidents.

The objectives of the Local Emergency Management Plan is to:

  • Identify the combat agency primarily responsible for responding to the emergency
  • Specify the tasks to be performed by all agencies in the event of an emergency
  • Provide for the coordination of the activities of other agencies in support of the combat agencies
  • Specify the responsibilities of the Minister and the State, Region, or Local Emergency Operations Controller.

The State Emergency Rescue and Management Act, 1989 Section 28 recognises that the involvement of local government in all stages of an emergency is critical. Port Stephens Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is responsible for plans in relation to the prevention of, preparation for, response to, and recovery from emergencies in the Port Stephens local government area.

The legislation requires that the General Manager of Council or their nominee will chair the Committee. The LEMC is made up of a senior representative of each emergency service organisation operating in the local government area and a representative of organizations providing services to the functional areas in the local government area.

Council is also required to provide executive support facilities for the Committee and the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) and this support is provided by a senior officer of Council who is known as the Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO).

Get ready in 3 steps

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

Do you know if your home, school or workplace are in flood or storm prone areas? Are these places at a higher risk of bushfire?

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

Make important decisions such as 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.

Where will you go? How will you and your family get to a safe place? You could be separated from each other. How will you contact each other?

Think about how you will protect your pets, important documents and valuable personal items.

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

  • Trim overhanging trees and branches.
  • 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.
  • Do a home safety check and make sure your smoke alarms are working.
  • Make sure that your home and contents insurance is up-to-date.

Prepare for different emergencies

Get ready for business

Get Ready Business has been specially designed to help NSW business owners prepare for disasters in 5 simple steps. This free toolkit includes:
  • an easy-to-use booklet to guide you through the five steps
  • posters to promote readiness in your workplace.
The NSW State Emergency Service has an Emergency Business Continuity Plan to help you create your plans.
Sit down with your colleagues, staff and suppliers today and get ready.