As the peak body representing local government in Greater Western Sydney, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), is urging people to get ready for extreme heatwaves, fire, and flood emergencies this summer by preparing emergency household plans.

The Greater Western Sydney region stretches over 8,948 km², ranging from densely populated metropolitan areas, to farmlands, and the World Heritage Area of the Blue Mountains. 

“Extreme weather events and the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened challenges for Greater Western Sydney communities, as the recent terrible floods and bushfires have shown,” said WSROC President, Councillor Barry Calvert.

“During severe heatwaves, too, people in Greater Sydney have experienced as much as a 13 per cent increase in mortality (excess deaths), according to NSW Health research.

Western Sydney is typically 6 - 10°C hotter than the rest of Sydney during extreme heat events.

“For ‘Emergency Ready Week’ this year (19 - 25 September), we are joining with the Australian Red Cross to remind all Australians of the importance of being prepared.

“We can’t stop disasters from happening, but what we can do is reduce how much they impact us by being prepared.”

Australian Red Cross recommends four simple steps to make yourself better prepared for any emergency: 

◼ GET IN THE KNOW: about your risks, where to get information, and how to manage stress

◼ GET CONNECTED: by identifying emergency contacts, meeting places, and people who can help

◼ GET ORGANISED: with important documents, medical information, insurance and pet plans

◼ GET PACKING: with a list to help you survive and personal items that are important to you.

Red Cross has a range of resources to help you prepare, including their ‘Get Prepared’ app (pictured left), a survival kit, emergency contacts list, keepsake list, information to help manage stress and more.

Find them at redcross.org.au/prepare

“Being prepared and getting ready for emergencies is important for communities to strengthen our ability to survive, adapt and thrive — no matter what comes our way,” said Councillor Calvert.

“A recent study conducted by the Red Cross on Australians’ readiness for emergencies found the great majority of those surveyed are aware of increasing weather-related crises, but only 35% of us are taking active steps to prepare for the next fire season.

“Spending as little as five minutes can bring big benefits, and being prepared can make an emergency less stressful, give you more control, and reduce the impact on you and those you love.”

For further details, go to redcross.org.au/prepare