Families across Wingecarribee Shire are urged to use the NSW Rural Fire Service Get Ready Weekend to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season and start a broader conversation about the need to prepare for emergencies.
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Get Ready Weekend is from September 19-20.
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Mayor Gair said it was important the Shire avoided a repeat of the 'Black summer' bushfires.
"Last summer two lives were lost, dozens of homes burnt to the ground and 64,000 hectares of our shire's bushland scorched in the fires," he said.
"No one ever wants to see this happen again.
"In the lead up to this year's fire season, and with the impacts of last season still being felt across the state, communities are understandably keen to know more about getting ready."
To support early planning and preparation, NSW RFS will once again host their annual Get Ready Weekend on September 19 - 20, in person and online.
"I encourage everyone to follow their local RFS brigade's Facebook page for information as it becomes available," Mayor Gair said.
Commissioner of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons encouraged everyone to have a conversation around being prepared for emergency, whatever the hazard may be.
"Each year, communities across NSW may experience bushfires, home fires, floods, storms, heatwaves, power outages and other emergencies," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"This year alone has been one of unparalleled emergencies. Communities across NSW were first impacted by drought, bushfire, then storm and flood, now pandemic - and all in quick succession.
"This has highlighted how important it is to be prepared for all hazards.
"Our emergency service organisations do an incredible job keeping us safe, but they can only do so much.
"Being aware and prepared is everyone's responsibility."
Get Ready in five simple steps:
Know your risk - think about the area you're in and the types of disasters that could affect you;
- Plan now for what you will do - sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area;
- Get your home ready - prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance coverage;
- Be aware - find out how to prepare, what to do if there is a disaster in your area and connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed;
- Look out for each other - share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance.
For more information on the Get Ready Weekend visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/get-ready.
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