As households prepare for the Christmas break and set off for the beach or bush, the Minns Labor government is urging residents to Get Ready for one of the busiest times of year for holidaymakers.
The NSW Government has launched a new website, Get Ready NSW, which provides a single resource for people to plan and prepare for natural disasters like bushfires, storms and floods.
An El Niño weather pattern is expected to bring increased fire activity this summer, while recent flooding and storms show how unpredictable conditions can be during the warmer months.
With thousands of people expected to flock to coastal and inland waterways over the festive season, the NSW Government is also urging people to practice water safety like swimming at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
As many people look to beat the traffic over the busy festive season, speed remains the number one killer on NSW roads.
Drivers should be extra careful over this period, with double demerits in place from Friday, 22 December to Monday, 1 January inclusive. With wet weather forecast in many parts of the state, travellers are urged to drive carefully.
Looking closer to home, residents are encouraged to heed the advice of authorities when it comes to risks indoors, such as house fires. Having working smoke alarms and a plan to escape in the event of a fire are a must, with recent statistics showing barbecues cause about 40% of house fires.
Find out more about the steps you can take to Get Ready for summer.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"With the world's best beaches and regional tourist destinations on our doorstep, it's no wonder people want to travel around this great state, but an early start to the fire season and recent floods are a reminder that this summer will be challenging.
"The single most important thing everyone travelling can do is have a 5-minute conversation about important decisions like when you plan to leave, where you will go and what you will take if threatened by an emergency.
"Natural disasters like bushfires and floods are becoming more frequent but the good news is that being prepared is easier than you think."
Acting Minister for Roads Jo Haylen said:
"As everyone jumps in the car and heads out for their summer break, we want people to prioritise road safety for themselves, and for everyone else on the road.
"Speeding, fatigue and drink and drug driving remain the leading contributors to deaths on NSW roads.
"Tragically, as of midnight 18 December 2023, 349 people have lost their lives on NSW roads this year. That's 79 more than for the same time last year, and 349 lives too many, so please take extra care on our roads.
"If you are driving, even if it's a short trip, give yourself plenty of travel time, never drive if you're tired.
"Buckle up, stay under the speed limit, put the phone away and never drive if you're affected by drugs or alcohol.
"We want everyone using our roads this festive season to arrive safely at their destination - and we want everyone to work together to make sure that happens."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"Our emergency services personnel are ready to make the summer a safe and enjoyable time for everyone in NSW, with volunteers out in force in recent weeks fighting fires and protecting beachgoers.
"Before the holiday season gets into full swing, we are urging the community to do their bit to make this busy time as safe as possible by taking the time to get ready and heeding advice and warnings.
"I would also like to thank all our volunteers for giving up their time and keeping us safe over the holidays. Tragically, we have already seen lives lost this season through bushfires and drownings, and we don't want to see any more during what should be one of the happiest times of the year."
Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said:
"A prepared community can help reduce loss of life and the impact of a disaster.
"Together, we can prepare our community for natural disasters such as storms, fires and floods.
"If you are travelling during the upcoming holidays, take extra care on our roads and have a plan for where you and your family are heading to."
