Preparing for an Emergency in Byron Bay and the Hinterland

Living in Byron Bay and the surrounding hinterland means embracing nature’s beauty—but it also means being prepared for extreme weather events, from cyclones and storms to floods and bushfires. Whether you're near the coast or tucked away in the hills, having a solid emergency plan can make all the difference.

Essential Supplies to Have on Hand

Start with an emergency kit that includes:
✔️ Food & Water – Stock up on non-perishable food like canned goods, muesli bars, and dried fruit. Have at least 4 litres of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene.
✔️ Medical Supplies – A first aid kit, prescription medications, pain relievers, and any necessary medical documents.
✔️ Power & Light – Battery-powered radio, torches, candles, matches, and spare batteries. Consider a power bank for charging phones.
✔️ Important Documents – Passports, insurance papers, and emergency contact numbers in a waterproof folder.
✔️ Cash & Fuel – ATMs and EFTPOS may be down, so keep some cash on hand. Fill up your car in advance.
✔️ Clothing & Safety – Warm clothes, sturdy footwear, gloves, and a whistle in case of rescue.

Extra Items That Will Come in Handy

🔹 Gas cooker or BBQ – If the power goes out, you’ll still be able to cook.
🔹 Pet food & supplies – Make sure your furry friends are covered too.
🔹 Bucket & cleaning supplies – Useful for dealing with minor flooding or leaks.
🔹 Plastic sheeting & sandbags – To help protect your home from water damage.
🔹 Rope & tarpaulin – Handy for securing outdoor furniture or patching up damage.

Household Preparations

✔️ Fill up the bathtub & buckets with water – This will allow you to flush the toilet if water services are disrupted.
✔️ Move furniture & valuables to higher ground – If flooding is a risk, lift items off the floor.
✔️ Secure outdoor furniture & loose objects – High winds can turn them into dangerous projectiles.
✔️ Unplug electrical items – This helps prevent power surges if the electricity goes out.
✔️ Check on neighbours – Particularly those who may need extra assistance.

Stay Informed & Ready to Act

Monitor the Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard (emergency.byron.nsw.gov.au) and tune in to ABC North Coast (94.5FM or 720AM) for updates. Download the Hazards Near Me app to receive real-time warnings.

Preparedness is key. A little planning now can make all the difference when an emergency hits. Stay safe, stay informed, and look out for your community. 💙

**Google 'sandbag locations near me' to find your closest self-serve stations

Image courtesy The Guardian