Emergency preparedness

Over 90% of WA is bushfire prone. By putting a bit of thought and planning ahead of the season you can prepare your family for an emergency.

• Developing a plan is the first step in keeping you and your family safe. Do your Bushfire Plan today with the help of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services' useful Bushfire Plan App and save yourself valuable time in an emergency.  
• Know where to get current information and keep up to date with alerts through the Emergency WA website and continue to monitor conditions and follow advice.
• Prepare an emergency evacuation kit before bushfire season and ensure the contents are regularly checked, accessible, and your family are aware of its location. Remember to include items for pets and vulnerable family members.
• Practice your evacuation plan and think about safe places to evacuate to. In emergencies, roads may be closed and your usual access routes diverted.
• Prepare your property by installing firebreaks and slashing any long, dry grass, clearing gutters, cutting overhanging branches and removing hazards from around the property.

Storms are the most common natural hazard in Australia.  While storms can happen at any time of the year, in Western Australia (south of Geraldton) they occur more frequently between May and October.

People who take action to prepare for severe storms before they happen are more likely to keep themselves, their families, their pets and their property safe.

Once the Burea of Metereology (BOM) issues a severe weather warning, DFES will provide alerts and updates through Emergency WA.

There are four alert levels to be aware of:

Call 132 500 for urgent property repairs that you cannot fix yourself.  Due to the high demand during a natural disaster people need to remain patient and be prepared to wait.

For life threatening emergencies call 000.

Having a good understanding of how you will manage your animals as part of your personal emergency survival plan may significantly improve outcomes for your animal(s) and yourself.

Some key considerations when emergency planning for your animals:

• practise your animal emergency plan as part of your personal emergency survival plan
• discuss your plan with neighbours, friends and family
• Ensure that your animals are microchipped, registered and wear ID tags.
• insure your animals
• put together an animal emergency kit that can be easily relocated with your animal if necessary.

We a have produced a handy leaflet to help guide you to prepare for your pets ahead of any emergency.

• Ensure you have an emergency kit packed and ready.  There are a number of useful checklists available which can help guide you.  Remember to pack for vulnerable people you may care for and any animals. 
• Scan important documents to a thumb drive or email them to yourself. 
• Know what disasters may impact you. Stay informed and keep up to date with alerts and current information through the Emergency WA website.
• Have you got an alternative water supply? Have you thought about what would happen if there is a power outage or phone services are not working?
• Ensure your property is clear of an debris, overgrown vegetation is slashed and any flammable material is stored away from the house.
• Make sure you and your family practice your emergency evacuation plan regularly and allow for contingencies.  Often road closures and fallen power lines will hinder your usual access.
• Check that your home and contents insurance is up to date

Emergencies within the home

• Know where your gas, water and electricity can be turned off.
• Check your under sink hoses and replace them at least every five years.  
• Consider keeping a fire blanket in the kitchen and never leave stoves unattended. We offer our residents a subsidy scheme to assist them in purchasing home safety equipment for their home.
• Regularly service your gas heaters and ensure you keep clear any flammable materials 
• Keep a list of important numbers in an an easy to find place.