Local voices help Georges River community understand their flood risk

NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES), in partnership with NRMA Insurance, is working with communities along the Georges River to help them become more prepared for and aware of their flood risks.

The campaign, 'Georges River has flooded before, it will happen again', helps people who live and work along the Georges River understand the long history of flooding in the area.

The aim of the campaign is to help people identify their own risk by being aware of the likelihood of flooding around their home, workplace, roads they frequently use and areas they regularly travel to so they can prepare for what to do in future floods.

NSW SES, with support from NRMA Insurance, recently produced a series of videos as part of the campaign. In the videos, local volunteers and community members share their experiences of past floods and stress the need for others to be flood aware.

NSW SES Commissioner, Carlene York, said the videos aim to connect communities with real experiences and their local NSW SES volunteers.

"The river has a long history of flooding, so it's important we do what we can to raise awareness and work with communities to make sure they are prepared," Commissioner York said.

"Each of the six videos, while touching on a different story from local people, shares useful information and links to resources that people can use to be prepared and aware.

"We have also developed FloodSafe tips in 25 different languages to ensure we are reaching everyone," she said.

NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Direct Claims, Luke Gallagher, said the NRMA is proud to partner with NSW SES on the campaign.

"We hope it will help communities better understand their level of risk and the practical steps they can take now to help protect themselves from flooding, which can ultimately save lives and property," Mr Gallagher said.

You can watch the videos here.

Calling on communities to help NSW SES measure flood awareness

NSW SES is asking all residents and business owners in Local Government Areas along the Georges River, including Bayside, Campbelltown, Cumberland, Canterbury-Bankstown, Georges River, Fairfield, Liverpool, and Sutherland Shire, to complete a survey to help them understand how to better support communities to prepare for floods.

NSW SES Zone Commander for Metropolitan Sydney, Chief Superintendent Greg Swindells, said while communities living along the river may have experienced minor flooding previously, floods can potentially get much worse.

"Floods can vary and that's why it is important community members know their risks no matter the size of flood," Chief Superintendent Greg Swindells said.

"To help us better understand what communities know about floods, we are calling on people living in the area to complete our online survey."

You can complete or share the survey on the NSW SES website.

We hope [the campaign] will help communities better understand their level of risk and the practical steps they can take now to help protect themselves from flooding, which can ultimately save lives and property

Luke Gallagher

NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager, Direct Claims

More resources on preparing for severe weather

As Australia's largest general insurer, we see first-hand the heartbreaking impact severe weather, including storms and flooding, has on our customers and communities.

Beyond providing the immediate and practical support our customers need during and after a disaster, we're always looking for ways to help communities become better prepared, stronger and more resilient. Here are some of the resources we've created to help communities understand their risk and the steps they can take to prepare:

NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker - This seasonal report uses NRMA Insurance claims data to track the impact of severe weather in NSW, QLD and the ACT. It aims to help communities understand that wild weather is getting more severe and happening more often, and it outlines practical steps people can take to be better prepared, which could ultimately help save lives and property.

Flood fact sheet - The IAG flood fact sheet outlines the factors that put properties at-risk of flooding and highlights the local government areas in each state that are at highest risk. It also helps people understand the potential damage and clean-up or repair costs they may face if their home is damaged by flooding.

Tropical cyclone fact sheet - The tropical cyclone fact sheet created in partnership with the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station, provides an overview of the key areas that are at-risk and outlines the different wind regions and wind classifications that homeowners should be aware of when building or renovating their homes.

Bushfire fact sheets - With bushfire seasons getting longer and more severe, we released two fact sheets to help people understand their bushfire risk and prepare for future bushfire seasons.