[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”83618″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Ray Williams MP[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Residents in Castle Hill are being urged to familiarise themselves with the NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) new warning system as the official Storm Season begins.
Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams MP said the SES is adopting the national three-tiered system to provide communities with greater clarity.
“Early warnings save lives and this new system will support everyone in Castle Hill in making safe decisions when emergencies strike,” Mr Williams 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 coincides 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 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.
The NSW Government continues to support the SES with a $132.7 million Budget investment in facilities, hiring new staff, acquiring more resources and restructuring the agency’s operations.
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