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Support for carers affected by NSW floods

Thu, 24 Feb

There are currently flood warnings for much of NSW, which may affect or have already affected carers in NSW.

See below, a range of information and advice about services, resources and support. Carers can also view a 15 minute video about Carers NSW natural disasters resources on Carers NSW YouTube channel.

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Key contacts

  • Carers in life-threatening situations should phone 000 for urgent assistance.
  • Carers requiring emergency assistance or information about the flood response in their area can phone the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/flood or follow your regional SES unit on Facebook.
  • Carers requiring general information and advice on flood affected areas can phone 1800 227 228.

Support available through Carer Gateway

  • Carers requiring practical and emotional support including emergency respite are encouraged to phone Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or request a callback at www.carergateway.gov.au/request-call-back. Please note that road closures and phone line issues may mean that some service provision is limited.
  • Carers in Hunter New England, Central Coast and North Coast areas of NSW, where Carers NSW is the Carer Gateway Service Provider, can email cgintakeNSW4@carersnsw.org.au if unable to get through to Carer Gateway via phone. The Carer Gateway website and online services can also be accessed at one of the following PCYC clubs (if not closed due to flooding): Grafton, Muswellbrook, Tweed Heads, Moree, Armidale, Tamworth and Kempsey.

Other useful information

  • For live radio updates, tune into your local ABC Radio Station, find the frequency here
  • For weather updates and flood warnings, visit Bureau of Meteorology website
  • For live updates on local traffic conditions and road closures, visit Live Traffic NSW
  • For updates on power outages, contact your local energy provider

Flood advice from State Emergency Services

If a Flood Warning is issued:

  • Stack possessions, records, or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top
  • Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage
  • Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level
  • Activate your Home Emergency Plan if you have one
  • Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
  • Keep in contact with your neighbours
  • Be prepared to evacuate if advised by emergency services
  • Act early as roads may become congested or close.

If an Evacuation Order is issued:

  • Turn off your power, gas and water at the mains before you leave
  • Turn off and secure any gas bottles
  • Take your pets with you
  • Never enter or travel through floodwater
  • Never let children play in floodwater
  • Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
  • Activate your Home Emergency Plan if you have one
  • Follow all instructions given to you by emergency services
  • Consider staying with family or friends in a safe location where possible, or locate your nearest evacuation centre

Flood plans from State Emergency Services

Carers can download a range of SES FloodSafe plans:

Financial support

Carers may be able to access a range of financial and practical supports related to the impacts of flooding through Service NSW. Carers can find out what supports they may be eligible for at: https://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/ or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Any unmet needs carers are experiencing due to flooding in NSW can be reported to the Carers NSW Policy team by emailing policy@carersnsw.org.au.