Emergency Preparedness

What to do before, during and after common emergencies in the Newcastle region.

Always follow official instructions from NSW SES, NSW RFS and NSW Police during an emergency. These guides are for general preparedness only.
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Flood Preparedness

  1. Know your flood risk — check Council flood maps for your address.
  2. Prepare a go-bag: documents, medications, water, phone charger, first aid kit.
  3. Move valuables and chemicals above floor level before heavy rain.
  4. Never drive through flooded roads — just 15cm of water can move a car.
  5. Tune into ABC Newcastle 1233 AM during flood events for real-time updates.
  6. Register with NSW SES if you need help: call 132 500.
  7. After flooding, check for structural damage before re-entering your home.
  8. Avoid floodwater contact — it carries sewage and hidden hazards.
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Bushfire Preparedness

  1. Create a Bushfire Survival Plan and discuss it with your household.
  2. Leaving early is the safest option — plan your route and destination.
  3. Clear leaf litter, bark and debris from gutters and around your home.
  4. Install fine metal mesh over vents and gaps to stop ember entry.
  5. Know the Bushfire Alert Level system: Advice, Watch & Act, Emergency Warning.
  6. Prepare a water supply and access point for firefighters.
  7. Wear protective clothing — long sleeves, wool/cotton, sturdy boots.
  8. Follow NSW RFS social media and rfs.nsw.gov.au for fire maps.
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Storm Preparedness

  1. Trim overhanging branches near your house before storm season.
  2. Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture, trampolines and garden items.
  3. Check your roof and gutters for damage before summer.
  4. Store enough water for 72 hours in case of supply disruption.
  5. Know where your main power switch and water shutoff are.
  6. Charge devices and have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio ready.
  7. For storm damage assistance, call NSW SES on 132 500.
  8. Never run generators, BBQs or other combustion devices indoors.
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Power Outage Preparedness

  1. Keep a torch and spare batteries in an accessible location.
  2. Have a battery or hand-crank radio to receive emergency updates.
  3. Keep your phone charged — a power bank is a worthwhile investment.
  4. Know how to manually open your garage door if electric.
  5. Keep at least 3 days of non-perishable food and bottled water.
  6. If you depend on powered medical equipment, register with Ausgrid as a life support customer.
  7. Report outages to Ausgrid on 13 13 88 or use their online outage map.
  8. Do not open your fridge unnecessarily — food is safe for 4 hours if the door stays closed.

Newcastle Emergency Kit Checklist

✓ Torch + spare batteries
✓ Battery/hand-crank radio
✓ First aid kit
✓ Water (3L per person per day)
✓ 3-day food supply
✓ Important documents (copies)
✓ Prescription medications
✓ Phone charger + power bank
✓ Cash (small denominations)
✓ Spare clothing and sturdy footwear
✓ Baby/infant supplies if needed
✓ Pet food and supplies