Local emergency services have put their response arrangements to the test ahead of the bushfire season, with Lismore residents now being urged to do the same by preparing their homes and households.
Emergency management teams from Lismore City Council, Ballina Shire Council, Kyogle Council and Richmond Valley Council recently joined emergency response agencies and key functional areas at the Fire Control Centre in Casino for Exercise Firestorm.
The multi-agency exercise tested how agencies would work together during simulated high-intensity bushfire and extreme heatwave scenarios, strengthening coordination, information sharing and operational responses.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said emergency services were working to ensure local systems were ready, however community preparedness was just as important.
"Emergency services are putting their own plans and systems to the test and now we're asking our community to do the same," he said.
"Being prepared isn't just the responsibility of emergency services. Every household should understand its local risk, have a plan and know what they will do if conditions become dangerous."
Lismore City Council Emergency Management Coordinator Jessica Anderson said the best time to prepare was well before an emergency occurred.
"Understanding your local risk is the foundation of being prepared," she said.
"With Get Ready Weekend coming up, now is a good time to sit down with your family, make or review your emergency plan and prepare your property.
"A few simple actions taken now can make a significant difference when conditions escalate."
Get Ready Weekend will be held across NSW on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September. Led by the NSW Rural Fire Service, the statewide initiative gives communities an opportunity to prepare for the bushfire season, connect with local brigades and get practical advice about staying safe.
Council is encouraging residents to take three simple steps:
Make a plan - Visit myfireplan.com.au to create or update your Bush Fire Survival Plan.
Prepare your property - Clear gutters, remove overgrown vegetation and reduce hazards around your home.
Connect with your local brigade - Attend a local Get Ready event to meet firefighters, explore the trucks and get practical advice about bushfire preparedness and the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.
GET BUSHFIRE READY: Local Community Events
Residents can meet their local RFS brigade and get advice on preparing their homes and households at the following events:
Jiggi Valley Brigade: Saturday, 12 September at 11am | Jiggi Spring Fair, Jiggi Hall
Wyrallah Brigade: Friday, 18 September at 4.30pm | Wyrallah Rural Fire Station
Caniaba Brigade: Saturday, 19 September from 10am to 3pm | Adam Gilchrist Oval, Perradenya Way, Caniaba
Alphadale Brigade: Saturday, 19 September | Bunnings Warehouse Lismore BBQ
Nimbin Brigade: Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September | Nimbin Country Show
Woodburn Brigade: Saturday, 19 September | Riverside Festival, Woodburn
Tomki Brigade: Sunday, 20 September | Bunnings Warehouse Lismore BBQ
Clunes Brigade: Sunday, 20 September from 10am to 12pm | Clunes Rural Fire Station
