News

With the prospect of another wet Storm Season bringing the very real risk of floods, NSW State Emergency Service is launching a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of floods within local communities.

Launching on Sunday (26 September), the Floods. The Risk is Real, campaign encourages communities throughout the Hunter and Central Coast – including Tuggerah Lakes, Wyong, Dora Creek, Lake Macquarie, Wallsend, Newcastle, Tomaree, Port Stephens, Maitland and Singleton – to be aware of their risk of floods and take steps to get prepared.

Commander of the service’s Northern Zone, Chief Superintendent Stephen Patterson, said communities have experienced flooding before and they will again.

“The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that this Storm Season, which will run from October to March, we are likely to see a repeat of the conditions experienced last season.

“We all saw what the last season brought, with many across the region hit hard by the major flooding in March.
 
“That’s why it’s really important everyone, whether it be residents, business owners, and even people who travel into the area for work, know their risks and to have a plan,” he said.
 
Mr Patterson explained the campaign is designed to help people, especially newcomers to the area, know what they can do before a severe weather event strikes.
 
“As part of the campaign, our local volunteers have highlighted their community’s flood risks in a series of videos, produced with support from the service’s Principal Partner NRMA Insurance,” Mr Patterson said.

“Our volunteers have seen first-hand the difference good preparation can make when floods hit their community and that’s what we want to encourage more of,” he added.
 
NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Direct Claims, Luke Gallagher, said the insurer was proud to partner with NSW SES on the campaign.
 
“We hope it will help communities better understand their level of risk and the practical steps they can take now to help protect themselves from flooding, which can ultimately save lives and property,” Mr Gallagher said.