Learn New Warning System As Storm Season Begins

Residents of Hawkesbury are urged to familiarise themselves with the NSW State Emergency Services (SES) new warning system as the official storm season begins.

Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston MP said the SES was adopting the national three-tiered system to provide communities with greater clarity.

“Early warnings save lives and this new system will support everyone in Hawkesbury in making safe decisions when emergencies strike,” Ms Preston said.

“Each type of warning will be accompanied by a clear action statement, like stay informed, prepare to evacuate and move to higher ground, so that people know exactly what steps they need to take.

“The new warning system is a first for the SES and will deliver more targeted communication of the risks of floods and storms.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the introduction of the Australian Warning System coincided with the start of the official storm season, which stretches from the beginning of October to the end of March.

“While we experience storms and floods all year-round, we’re now entering the highest risk period,” Ms Cooke said.

“With a third consecutive La Nina declared, it’s important we don’t become complacent, with the SES trained, prepared and ready to support communities across the NSW in the months ahead.”

The new Australian WArning System includes the following three tiers of warnings:

• Advice;
• Watch and Act; and
• Emergency Warning.

Warnings during storms and flood events will continue to be distributed through text message alerts, the SES website, SES social media channels, ABC radio stations and media outlets.

• Topics:

• Emergency Services
• Natural Disasters