NSW SES Wyong Unit

🚨 IF WE WON'T, YOU SHOULDN'T. 🚨
This photo shows one of our specialist flood rescue vehicles and a highly trained Flood Rescue Operator assessing floodwater.
Here's the important part...
Even with purpose-built vehicles, specialist equipment, extensive training, and strict safety procedures, we often DON'T enter floodwater.
Why?
Because floodwater is unpredictable.
What's underneath the surface could be:
🌊 Washed-out roads
🌊 Deep potholes
🌊 Strong currents
🌊 Debris and hazards
🌊 Open drains or culverts
What looks like a shallow puddle can quickly become a life-threatening situation.
If trained flood rescue professionals stop, assess, and often choose not to enter floodwater, then the safest decision for the public is simple:
❌ Don't drive through it.
❌ Don't walk through it.
❌ Don't ride through it.
✅ Turn around. Find another route. Wait until it's safe.
No appointment, shortcut, school pickup, or trip home is worth risking your life.
If it's flooded, forget it.
NSW SES

Last night, our volunteers successfully completed their Fit for Role assessments, demonstrating their ongoing readiness to support the community when called upon.

Operational preparedness goes beyond simply responding to incidents. It requires maintaining the skills, physical capability and confidence needed to work safely and effectively during emergencies such as storms, floods, search operations and other response activities.

It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout, with members dedicating their time and effort to meeting the required standards and continuing their commitment to helping others.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and to those who assisted in making the evening run smoothly.

Preparing for storms doesn't have to be complicated.
NSW SES has developed accessible resources to help everyone in our community get ready before severe weather arrives.
🎧 Listen to the Storm Safe audio guide:
https://bit.ly/3RZO1q0
A few minutes of preparation today can save a lot of stress and disruption later.

We see more leaky roofs than anything else in our area.
Simple things can prepare you for those annoying drips.

We're proud to provide these resources in Auslan, recognising that effective emergency preparedness starts with ensuring everyone in our community can access vital information in a format that meets their needs.

Auslan - Emergency Planning Checklists and Guides NSW State Emergency Service----------------------------------EMER...

The best time to prepare is before you need to.
This NSW SES Emergency Kit checklist may assist you in preparing for a variety of unexpected situations.

Backyard trampolines, swing sets or other things in your yard can be so much fun, watching them being blown away isn't.
If a storm or high wind suddenly struck what could you prepare and secure today to reduce any loss or damage?
A walk around your outside areas could make a world of difference.

Know a first responder who’s made a difference? Take a moment to say thank you.

Share your story of how they’ve supported you, your family or your community, and help recognise their courage and commitment.

Your words matter more than you think.

Make the most of this one NSW - it’s our last long weekend until October 😭

Helping you to do just that, the weather is forecast to remain dry and stable all the way through to Monday! Hooray! 🎉

It’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead on your storm prep - trim overhanging branches, clean your gutters and prepare your home emergency kit.

⚠️ Roads will be busier with double demerits in play, so ensure you drive to the conditions.

🚗 Planning a trip? Check Live Traffic NSW for traffic and road updates or your local council’s website to avoid delays or disruptions.

📲 Stay safe and prepared by downloading the Hazards Near Me app or checking the NSW SES website for the latest warnings.

Enjoy, rug up and stay safe!