NSW SES launches online Emergency Planning Toolkit following severe storm season

Editor’s note: Vision of the online emergency toolkit and grabs from Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston is available via hightail: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/ytUUNnIsvg

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has launched a new online tool to help households prepare for future emergencies as it marks the end of a busy 2024/25 storm season.

Calls to the NSW SES have nearly doubled this storm season, with crews responding to more than 26,000 incidents since the start of October 2024, compared to around 15,000 during the same period in 2023/24.

NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston said volunteers have been working around the clock to clean up the damage and keep communities safe.

“Communities were hit hard by storms this season, with strong winds bringing down trees, powerlines and lifting roofs off buildings,” Deputy Commissioner Johnston said.

“We’ve seen a significant surge in calls for storm damage compared to last year, with nearly double the amount of incidents than the previous 12 months.”

Many of the calls came after severe storms swept through NSW in January, with Tweed Heads, Mullumbimby, Sutherland, Ku-ring-gai, Grafton City, Hornsby and Bankstown among the busiest Units in the state. Incidents also spiked significantly following Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March.

To support households in preparing for future storms and floods, the NSW SES has launched an online emergency planning tool, in partnership with AAMI Insurance.

After answering a series of prompts, the tool automatically generates a personalised emergency plan for households, which includes where to go, how to get there and a checklist on essential items to pack in the case of an emergency.

Deputy Commissioner Johnston said this new tool takes the guesswork out of creating an emergency plan.

“Creating a plan is an important first step in keeping yourselves and your families safe during an emergency,” he said.

“This tool also caters for businesses, farms and caravan parks. We’re here to help communities be as planned and prepared as possible for future events.”

Storm season generally occurs from September to April each year, during which the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain increases.

AAMI’s Head of Natural Hazard Home Claims, Morris Garsin said the team has been kept very busy this storm season.

“It has been a very stormy few months, with over 11,000 extreme weather home and motor insurance claims in NSW since October 2024,” Mr Garsin said.

“Widespread thunderstorms brought severe wind, heavy rainfall, flooding, and hail. Many community members experienced significant disruptions to their living conditions after power outages and water damage.

“More recently, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred resulted in heavy rainfall and destructive winds, leading to flooding, further power outages, and multiple uprooted trees.

“All of the events from this past storm season have highlighted the importance of being prepared and we’re proud to support NSW SES in the launch of its Emergency Planning Toolkit. We encourage all NSW residents to jump online, follow the guide and create your personalised plan.”

Deputy Commissioner Johnston said while the official storm season has come to an end, everyone should remain vigilant because they can happen at any time.

“As we may have some down time in the next couple of months, now is an important opportunity to take those steps to refresh your emergency plan and make any improvements around the home,” he said.

To access the online emergency planning tool, visit ses.nsw.gov.au/emergency-planning-tool

Tips to help people prepare for storms:

• Prepare an emergency plan for storms and floods. Use the new NSW SES  tool to automatically generate an emergency plan.
• Prepare for storms by securing loose items outside, trimming trees and branches away from properties, cleaning your gutters and moving your cars from underneath trees.
• If you are caught out in a storm, seek shelter indoors. Do not shelter under trees and stay away from powerlines.
• Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones.
• If you need assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Media enquiries
NSW SES Media – 1800 067 234