Be prepared and stay safe as wet weather set to drench Northern NSW

With heavy rain and localised flooding forecast for the NSW North Coast in the coming days, police are urging residents, businesses and motorists to stay informed and be prepared.

Be prepared;

All towns and communities across NSW are asked to be prepared and monitor their regular media source, including the SES website, NSW Police Force Facebook site, the Bureau of Meteorology website, Livetraffic.com, as well as local television and radio.

It’s important to remember the dangers flood waters can pose, especially after bushfires in these regions. There is likely to be some debris, soil, spiders and other animals that could be washed into our river systems. Be aware – there is a lot of danger and risk so it’s best to keep away.

Many motorists haven’t experienced significant rain in a while, with the roads likely to be quite slippery as they haven’t seen significant water in quite some time. Please take extra care and slow down – we want everyone to arrive at their destination safely.

Don’t wait ’till a flood warning is issued – be prepared and be resilient.

General Safety;

– Don’t take risks and put yourself and emergency service personnel in danger. Remember “if it’s flooded – forget it”.

– When roads are closed they are closed for a very good reason: they are flooded and dangerous!

– Drive to the conditions – if visibility is poor and rain is heavy on the roadway, adjust your speed and drive to survive. Leave additional room between yourself and the car in front of you.

– Police are appealing for motorists, and members of the public to never enter floodwaters or cross flooded causeways.

– It is extremely dangerous for them and for those who have to rescue them. Floodwater can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away.

– Everyone should always remember to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.

When you need assistance;

– Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au

– For the latest on road closures, members of the community can visit the website www.livetraffic.com

– For weather warnings, check www.bom.gov.au/

– Dial Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening situations.

/Public Release. View in full here.