Stay Calm Stay Safe – Flood Information
I hope you are all keeping safe during this very volatile weather event.
These resources might help if you are affected by the rain and floods, or know others in our community that are.
First and foremost, the emergency numbers:
- NSW SES – 132 500
- Non-urgent Police Assistance – 131 444
- Australian Red Cross – 1800 733 276
- 000 ONLY if in a life-threatening situation
Secondly – how can you be prepared if your area is cut off or affected by floods?
As the ABC has noted, while you often don\’t have much warning, if you live in an area that could be affected by a flood, it is important to make preparations. They have prepared a comprehensive list of what you can do before, during and after a flood. The list can be found here.
- Before a flood
- During a flood
- After a flood
- Flood emergency services by state
Help at your finger tips
It is important that you keep up to date with the latest advice and communications from the authorities. Some schools are closed across the state, as are many roads – the latest information can be found on the NSW SES website here.
Your mobile phone may help you in the case of natural disasters. There are apps and websites available to help you in an emergency including:
- The Bureau of Meterology BOM weather app
- The ABC listen app is an audio streaming app which allows you to listen to local programs and emergency broadcasts
- The Emergency+ app has been developed by Australian emergency services, government and industry
- SES Flood Safe app
More information about these and other help can be found here.
Evacuation Centres are available
Community members affected by the current severe weather that have been asked to evacuate are encouraged to seek assistance from friends and family in the first instance.
If that is not possible, a list of the current evacuation centres can be found here.
Red Cross resources
The Red Cross also has several resources which might help you prepare, help others prepare and manage after the crisis is over. Those resources can be found here.
Relief packages
There is help for people directly affected by the March 2021 floods in New South Wales. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for each eligible child under the age of 16.
You can get it if your home has been severely damaged or destroyed or if you’ve been seriously injured as a direct result of the floods. You can also claim Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) if you’ve lost income as a direct result of the floods. If you’re eligible you can get it for up to 13 weeks, starting from the date you lose income. For eligibility, next steps and more information, see the Services Australia website.
If you are affected and need assistance in accessing relief packages and help around your home, please let us know. We are here for you today, tomorrow and every day.
Don’t hesitate to let us know if you or other members of our community need help.
Renee Wilson
Chief Executive Officer
Australian War Widows NSW
Refer to the websites above for the most up to date information.
This page last updated: 23 March 2021
