News

As flooding continues to affect much of the state, the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is receiving a large number of calls to its 132 500 emergency storm and flood assistance line, with many of these calls proving not to be for real emergencies.

Knowing the right phone number to call when faced with an emergency is essential so that appropriate assistance can be directed quickly.

“The NSW SES 132 500 number is for people who need help in emergency situations, for example, a tree or large branch has fallen and blocked access, or a tree is threatening to fall and cause structural damage to your property,” said NSW SES Acting Commissioner Greg Newton.

“There could also be damage to your roof, or your property is flooded, or flooding is imminent,” Mr Newton said.

“NSW SES often receives a large number of calls to the 132 500 line from across the State regarding non-urgent matters such as weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and information on road closures, power, water and gas outages. These calls can unnecessarily hold up emergency assistance being provided to flood and storm affected communities so people should contact the appropriate agencies for information updates,” he said.

“Residents are reminded to only call NSW SES on 132 500 for emergency help in a storm or flood. If the situation is life-threatening, such as a flood rescue, they should call Triple Zero (000),” he added.

NSW SES volunteers have responded to more than 33,000 calls for help in flood and storm events across the state since the beginning of the year.

Calls to 132 500 are monitored and received by members within the NSW SES Operations Centre 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“NSW SES is focused on helping to build more resilient and resourceful communities, by encouraging residents to prepare their homes now for the storm season,” Mr Newton concluded.

More storm and flood safety tips are available at: www.stormsafe.com.au or www.floodsafe.com.au