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 NSW Government
NSW SES
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Plan and prepare

Preparation lowers your risk

Planning ahead means you're better protected in case of an emergency. Here’s how you can get prepared so you and your household know what to do before, during and after a flood, storm or tsunami.

Prepare for a flood

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.

Prepare for a storm

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

Prepare for a tsunami

Tsunami 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.

Start building your plan

Two neighbours talking over a fence with a house in the background, representing community awareness.
Know the risk in your local area

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

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

Plan for all possible impacts and make decisions on what you will do in an emergency.

Woman and children preparing an emergency kit using a checklist as a guide.
Prepare your emergency kit

An emergency kit can save you valuable time during an emergency. It has items you might need if you lose power or have to leave your home quickly.

How does the warning system work?

Understand the Australian Warning System so you know the best course of action to take in an emergency.

Australian Warning System advice yellow icons representing flood, storm and tsunami.
Advice

There is a heightened level of threat. Stay up to date as the situation changes.

Australian Warning System watch and act orange icons representing flood and storm
Watch and Act

Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family. NSW SES does not issue a Watch and Act level warning for tsunami.

Australian Warning System emergency red icons representing flood, storm and tsunami.
Emergency Warning

The highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately.

Learn more

Essential emergency planning resources

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

Accessibility resources

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

Animal safety

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

Business emergency planning

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

Caravan parks and tourism

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.

Children and schools

Learning resources for children and schools.

Community service providers

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.

In your language

NSW SES provides professionally translated content to help communities plan, prepare and recover from emergencies. 

NSW state plans

The NSW state plans outline the community's emergency risks, define roles and responsibilities for the NSW SES and supporting agencies, and how emergencies are managed.

Local Flood Insights

The Local Flood Insights have been produced to help communities understand and visualise flood risks within NSW. It provides information on flood-prone areas, historic flood events, and modelled flood risks through detailed maps, data and community stories. 

Walgett NSW, impacted by severe flooding.

Learn more about Sydney Rivers

Flooded landscape in the Hawkesbury-Nepean area of NSW, with fields and trees partially submerged under murky floodwater.
Staying prepared in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley area

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Region is a flood prone area. Here's how to prepare ahead of time to reduce your risk.

Scenic view of the Woronora River in New South Wales.
Learn more about Georges River and Woronora River

Learn about the impacts of floods on Georges River and Woronora River.

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.
BOM Weather
Check for weather forecasts and warnings.
Emergency Plus
The ‘what 3 words’ feature shares your precise location with emergency services.

When to call NSW SES

In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Call NSW SES on 132 500 if you need assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami.

Female worker using a computer at the NSW SES Operations Centre.