Residents in Northern NSW have been using the Hazards Near Me app in their thousands over the past week, keeping up with the latest emergency information as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred passed through the region.
As the cyclone approached last Friday, the number of people using the Hazards Near Me app was almost four times higher than average, with more than 166,000 active users up from an average of 47,000.
The app allows users to set up a Watch Zone to personalise the information received with location-specific alerts and up-to-date warnings during a natural disaster like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
With input from the NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES) and NSW Rural Fire Service, the app is constantly evolving to provide the most current information available including weather warnings and advice on how to stay safe during times of natural disaster for impacted communities.
During a natural disaster, people are also encouraged to prepare an emergency kit with essential items including identification documents, medications, torch, mobile phone charger and a battery-operated radio.
As evacuation orders for communities in Northern NSW are progressively lifted, information about returning home with caution can be found via the Hazards Near Me app as well as the NSW SES website.
For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies. All emergency service agencies are ready to support affected communities.
For the latest information on Essential Energy power outages visit Power Outages. For information on what to do before, during and after a power outage visit What is a power outage and what to do.
Keep radios tuned to your local ABC radio station for broadcast emergency warnings and alerts.
People who require mental health support can call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by specialist mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.
The Hazards Near Me app is available for both iOS and Android systems. For more information, go to Hazards Near Me app | NSW Government.
For more information about Recovery efforts in Northern NSW visit www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"The NSW Government through our emergency services agencies is working to ensure people can access the most up-to-date information whenever and wherever they need it.
"We want to thank communities across Northern NSW who prepared for ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and encourage them to continue to follow the advice of emergency services as the response continues.
"In times of emergency or disaster, I encourage people to go to trusted government sources for information and the latest warnings and advice to understand what is happening in their area and what they need to do to stay safe.
"As we start the work of recovery, the NSW Government stands ready to support the community to get back to normal."
Minister for Mental Health and Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said:
"The Hazards Near Me app provided North Coast communities with real-time updates to help keep families and homes safe as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatened the region.
"We know this is an incredibly tough time, with many in the community still recovering from previous floods. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out - the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 is available 24/7."
