Join the Ready

With summer almost upon us, DFES is urging Western Australians to ‘Join the Ready’ and prepare for a range of natural hazards.

Launched yesterday by Minister for Emergency Services Reece Whitby MLA and Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM, DFES’ new multi-hazard safety campaign asks people to take steps to prepare throughout the year, not just when an emergency is approaching

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said the campaign reinforced that being prepared was a part of living in WA and that individual actions helped make our communities safer.

“Western Australia is a vast State that experiences a range of natural hazards year-round, particularly over summer when cyclones and floods hit the State’s north and bushfires threaten communities in the south,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“More than 93 per cent of Western Australia is bushfire-prone yet our latest research shows only 22 per cent of people across Perth and southern WA feel prepared for a bushfire.

“Signs are pointing to another challenging season. We’ve had a very dry winter across southern WA and temperatures will be warmer than usual heading into summer.

“In addition to that, the coastline between Exmouth and Broome is one of the most cyclone-prone areas in Australia and is impacted by multiple cyclones every year.

“Our firefighters and emergency services volunteers do an incredible job protecting lives and homes but we need the community to play their part and take some simple steps to get ready now before an emergency hits.”

By downloading the Emergency WA app, creating an emergency plan and setting watch zones for key locations, people can ensure they are ready for fast-moving natural hazards before they happen.

Clearing gutters, packing an emergency kit and keeping greenery tidy are other important steps households can take to protect their families, neighbours and communities all year round.

During an emergency, stay up to date with the latest alerts and warnings at emergency.wa.gov.au or via the app, 13 DFES (13 3337), facebook.com/dfeswa or your local ABC Radio.