For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500   In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
NSW SES
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Create an emergency plan

Creating a plan is an important first step in being prepared for floods, storms and tsunami.

Woman loading a suitcase into a car boot as part of an emergency plan preparation.

How to create your household emergency plan

Download the editable template

A written plan will help you remember what to do in an emergency. Fill in the details and keep it with your emergency kit, or where your family can find it in an emergency. Share it with everyone included, and practice it with your household.  

Customise your plan

Once you’ve downloaded the template, take time to customise it with key details about your household and support network. Your emergency plan should clearly state whether you will stay or leave, depending on the type of emergency. Ensure that everyone involved – family, friends, and carers – are aware of your plan.

Save and share your plan

Once you’ve filled out the template with your personalised details, make sure to share it with your household, family, friends, and neighbours. Practice it regularly, and ensure everyone involved stays informed.

Things to consider when creating your emergency plan

Where will you go in an emergency?  

Your plan should include whether you are going to leave or stay, depending on the emergency. Make sure family, friends and carers are aware of your plans.  

Include other locations you can travel to safely if you can't get to your first option. Evacuation centres are an option of last resort. 

When will you leave? 

It's important to identify now when you will evacuate. What will trigger your decision to leave? Consider the timing of potential road closures in your plan. 

Triggers might include escalating emergency warnings, natural signs, reported flood heights, local landmarks and other road closures. 

How will you get there?  

What transport options are available to you? Consider backup plans if your first option is not available. 

Additional resources to help you plan

Planning resources to help communities prepare and plan for an emergency. 

Floods are one of the most costly, dangerous and deadly natural disasters in NSW. They are also important natural events that help keep our river systems clean and healthy.

Storms impact NSW anywhere and anytime. Storms can bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, dangerous hail and flash flooding.

Tsunamis can impact beaches and coastal areas. Dangerous waves can surge inland from the sea, quickly flooding beaches and rivers. They can also cause dangerous currents, tides and coastal erosion.

Prepare yourself for floods, storms, and tsunamis with tailored emergency checklists. Find guides to help you build a strong emergency plan and assemble a well-stocked emergency kit.

Knowing how hazards could impact the areas where you live, work and travel will help you plan for potential risks.

Accessible resources are available to individuals with additional support needs to help plan and prepare for flood, storm, or tsunami.

Planning in advance to take care of your animals in an emergency helps to keep them and everyone safe.

Help protect your business from the impacts of flood, storm and tsunami by being prepared.

If you live or holiday in a caravan park, or if you are a tourism operator, you need to be aware of your local risks and know what to do in an emergency.

If you are supporting or caring for an individual who has support needs, it is important to ensure that plans are in place and support networks are established should an emergency occur.

It is important to include your children in discussions about emergency plans for your house and family.
Put together an emergency checklist

Do you know anyone else who could benefit from creating a plan?

Build resilience in your community. Invite friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to create their own emergency plan.

Be prepared with these apps

Download these four apps for weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts advice and help from emergency services.

Hazards Near Me

Set up a watch zone to receive notifications on changing conditions.

Live Traffic
Plan ahead and see what hazards are impacting your route on NSW roads.
Emergency Plus
The ‘what 3 words’ feature shares your precise location with emergency services.

Proudly supported by

AAMI major partner with NSW SES