It’s a dire emergency if you’re not prepared

Monday, 16 September 2019

Penrith City Council and the NSW State Emergency Service are calling on all residents to ensure they have up to date emergency plans in place.

“Emergency Preparedness Week is the appropriate time for our residents to think about what they would do if there was an emergency,” said Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM.

“That’s why we have decided to support the “Get Prepared App”, which is a free, easy to download App that takes people step by step through the creation of an emergency plan.”

The Red Cross and its project partner, insurer IAG, developed the App to help community members prepare for any type of emergency, Cr Fowler said.

“Many residents are familiar with the need to have a bushfire plan. The App helps them to prepare for all emergencies and natural disasters.

“All you have to do is follow this link, download the app and it will take you through the process,” he said.

NSW SES Penrith Unit Commander Scott Lynch said that if people are prepared for emergencies, then they will be safer and response crews can act more efficiently.

“If you are not prepared for an emergency, then you have to make it up on the run, and that’s when disaster can strike,” Mr Lynch said.

“One of the biggest causes of accident or injury in an emergency such as a flood or storm is last minute panic, when decisions are made in haste and under pressure. It is important to know your risk and be prepared.

“The idea of an emergency plan is that you have already thought about what to do, where to go and who to call. Just a little preparation can reduce the risk of injury and even save lives.”

NSW SES has 9,500 volunteers who partner with their communities prior to and during emergencies. Read more here.

Background Information

The Get Prepared App is an initiative of Resilient Sydney, a program aligned to the 100 Resilient Cities initiative pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation. The Resilient Sydney Strategy (2018) lays out a roadmap to address the key shocks and stresses that will impact the communities of metropolitan Sydney. The program is a collaboration by all metropolitan Sydney councils.

Photo Caption: Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM (right) NSW SES Penrith Unit Commander Scott Lynch at the Penrith base.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 16 September 2019.