National Emergency Ready Week

The Rockliff Liberal Government strongly supports National Emergency Ready Week and its focus on community preparedness for emergency situations. 

National Emergency Ready Week is held in September each year and is another reminder to Tasmanians to be prepared for different kinds of emergencies – floods, fires and storms. 

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said it is important to build resilience within communities, especially ahead of a predicted warmer summer.

“Tasmanians already know that our beautiful State is also one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world and we also know that emergencies can happen extremely quickly.  

“We saw this in October last year with wide reaching floods in our North and North-West. 

“Many Tasmanians live in rural or regional settings which makes having an emergency plan even more important. It can also mean peace of mind because you are in control and prepared to protect your loved ones and property,” Minister Ellis said. 

The Red Cross recommends four key steps: 

·         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. 

 
Minister Ellis thanked the Australian Red Cross for their leadership in highlighting the need for communities and individuals to be prepared for an emergency, as well as for their invaluable service in keeping Tasmanians and Australian safe during and after emergencies.

Red Cross Australia has a range of resources available for the community on how to create emergency plans and how prepare survival kits. More information is available at: redcross.org.au/prepare 

The Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service also have dedicated resources available to communities on how to prepare for bushfires, floods and storms. More information is available at:  

·         TFS – Community Protection Planning - Tasmania Fire Service  

·         SES – Plan and Prepare for Floods and Storms - Plan & Prepare - Tasmania State Emergency Service (ses.tas.gov.au)