Extreme weather events, power outages and natural disasters can strike without warning, but being prepared is the best way to stay safe. Willoughby City Council, in partnership with Australian Red Cross, is encouraging residents to take simple, practical steps to be ready for anything by creating a personal emergency plan using the free Get Prepared app. This initiative is part of Emergency Ready Week, held from 15 to 21 September. "Emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time," says Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor. "By planning ahead, we can protect our families, support our neighbours, and build a more resilient Willoughby community." To help residents get started, Council has launched a new Preparing for Emergencies video, now available on the Resilient Willoughby page at willoughby.nsw.gov.au. The video features practical advice and is available in multiple languages to support the city's culturally and linguistically diverse community.
The Get Prepared app is a user-friendly tool that guides people through building an emergency plan tailored to their needs. It helps users identify local risks, connect with support networks, and prepare essential emergency checklists.