Mid Coast emergency services have joined forces to urge the community to have a safe summer.
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Whether you are in the bush, on the road or at the beach, the message is to be prepared and know your risk.
Every year flood, fire and other disasters affect peoples' lives and may cause millions of dollars in property damage.
Being prepared can save lives and help you and your family make better decisions when disaster strikes.
At the beach, two in five drowning deaths occur in summer, with Royal Life Saving research indicating an increased risk of drowning for children when on school holidays and for adults during public holidays.
Last summer, the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report recorded 103 drowning deaths around the country.
A bush or grass fire can happen at any time of the year but the risk is higher during the warmer months, when bush, grass or scrub is drier.
You don't have to live right near the bush to be at risk. Even if your home is a few streets back, you may be at risk.
On the roads, 2017 was the second consecutive year in which the State's road toll had risen, following a series of drops since 2009, despite a $300-million NSW road safety budget designed to target safer travel.
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead echoed the messages of local emergency services with road safety, bush fire risks and proper precautions on our waterways all highlighted as key concerns when the temperatures soar.
Emergency services issued a number of timely warnings about the dangers that individuals may face this summer and five simple steps people can take to stay safe.
Mr Bromhead also reiterated police warnings about the importance of being safe on roads as people travel around the state to see friends and family over the festive period.
“All motorists have a responsibility to obey the road rules. Mid Coast Police will be out in force this summer to ensure the safety of drivers and their passengers,” Mr Bromhead said.
“Our emergency services from bush to beach and everyone in between do a tremendous job protecting lives, property and infrastructure across the state all year round, but we can all play our part in being prepared,” Mr Bromhead said.
Five simple steps:
1. Know your risk - think about the area you live in and the types of disasters that could affect you;
2. Plan now for what you will do - sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area;
3. Get your home ready - prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance;
4. Be aware - find out how to prepare and what to do if there is a disaster in your area; and,
5. Look out for each other - share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance.
Learn more about getting ready this summer via www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/getready