When flooding is about to happen and you are required to evacuate, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) will issue an Evacuation Order advising people of what to do and where to go.
These orders are authorised by the local SES Region Controller.
There are a number of ways you might hear about the need to evacuate including:
- doorknock by SES or Police
- radio stations
- automated telephone and/or SMS
You must evacuate immediately. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.
You should try to seek shelter with family or friends well away from flood impacted areas. In larger floods, evacuation centres may be established.
When you leave
- Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains before you leave and turn off and secure any gas bottles.
- Take your pets with you.
- Never enter or travel through floodwater.
- Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice.
- Follow your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan.
- Follow all instructions given by emergency services.
Neighbourhood Safer Places - bushfires
These are designated locations that are considered a last resort during a bushfire emergency. You should go to one of these places when all other options in your Bush Fire Survival Plan cannot be done safely.
There are Neighbourhood Safer Places in Coleambally, Darlington Point, Jerilderie and Yamma.
View the Neighbourhood Safer Places locations
If it is not safe to leave the area or take shelter in your property, and the path is clear, you should move to your pre-identified Neighbourhood Safer Places or other safer location well before the impact of a bush fire.
You can also call the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 679 737 to find out your closest Neighbourhood Safer Place.
It is important to know where the Neighbourhood Safer Places are in your area and note them in your Bush Fire Survival Plan before a bushfire occurs. You should also know how to get there directly as well as alternate routes in case the road is blocked or too dangerous to drive on.
Leaving it too late to try and travel to a Neighbourhood Safer Place can be more dangerous than sheltering at your place.
Keep in mind that conditions at the Neighbourhood Safer Place may be uncomfortable and you may be affected by heat, smoke and embers. Water, toilets and food may not be available at the Neighbourhood Safer Place and emergency service personnel may not be present.