Aussies Warned as Wild Storms and Fires Approach This Summer
With storms and fires looming, Australians are urged to prepare for emergencies as summer brings increased risks across the country
Australia, NSW, Victoria, Bushfires, Storms, Emergency Preparedness
Sydney: It turns out that less than half of Australians have a solid plan for what to do in case of a natural disaster. With storm season ramping up, that’s a bit concerning.
Summer is here, and the NSW SES is warning everyone that storms, strong winds, and heavy rain are more likely to hit between September and April. So, it’s time to get serious about being prepared.
We’ve also got cyclones and bushfires to think about during these warmer months. But many folks aren’t really planning ahead for emergencies, which is a bit of a head-scratcher.
Wild winds can wreak havoc in neighborhoods, and authorities are urging everyone to take precautions. Just look at what’s happening in parts of Victoria and NSW, where bushfires are already causing trouble.
Some fires in the Grampians National Park are still out of control, burning through an area nearly the size of Singapore. That’s a big deal!
According to the latest Red Cross research, about 40% of people haven’t spent much time preparing for disasters. That’s a pretty big number, right?
Collin Sivalingum, the Australian Red Cross Queensland Director, pointed out that not enough people have a plan when disaster strikes. It’s a bit alarming, considering we all know these things can happen.
He mentioned that many people think, “It won’t happen to me,” but the reality is that one in three Australians will face some sort of emergency in their lifetime. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Even if you don’t live in a high-risk area, it’s smart to be prepared. You never know when you might be on holiday or traveling and find yourself in a tricky situation.
Having a plan can also help ease the psychological impact of recovering from a disaster, especially for kids. They can be more vulnerable during these tough times.
Mr. Sivalingum stressed the importance of having conversations with young people about safety. It’s all about giving them reassurance when things get stressful.
So, what can you do to get ready for summer? Simple actions like having an emergency kit or taking a first aid course can make a big difference.
Make sure you have your important documents, medications, and sentimental items ready to grab if you need to evacuate quickly. It’s all about being prepared!
And don’t forget about your pets! They’re part of the family, and planning for them in an emergency is crucial. No one wants to leave their furry friends behind.
NSW SES member Robert Leach highlighted that including animals in emergency plans is not just for their well-being but also for everyone’s safety. We’ve seen too much devastation from fires and floods, so let’s be ready for whatever comes next.
In 2022, the NSW SES performed over 66,000 animal rescues during wild weather events. That’s a lot of furry friends needing help!