As summer brings the risk of fires, floods, and storms, the NSW Government is urging households to Get Ready for the Christmas holiday season.

With predictions of above-average rainfall along Australia’s east coast, understanding the risks—whether you're at home or travelling through the state — is important. 

The NSW Government’s Get Ready NSW website helps prepare households for summer, with information and resources in a single place. 

Using this resource, residents can learn about the latest emergency warnings to make quicker, more informed decisions, and know exactly when to act. The site also offers tips on starting a conversation with your neighbours, encouraging everyone to work together for a safer community.

As many people enjoy New South Wales’ beautiful beaches and waterways over the summer, it’s important to practice water safety such as swimming between the flags at patrolled beaches. 

The NSW Government is reminding residents to check smoke alarms are working and have a fire escape plan in place—especially since the family barbecue is responsible for about 40 per cent of house fires.

With extra drivers on our roads across the State this summer, motorists are reminded that speeding is still the top cause of fatalities on NSW roads. Stay vigilant, drive carefully, and prioritise safety to ensure a safe journey for everyone.

NSW Police are conducting high-visibility operations across the state’s roads this summer, targeting drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use, driver distraction and fatigue, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences and dangerous driving. Drivers are reminded that double demerits are in place from Friday, 20 December 2024 to Wednesday, 1 January 2025 inclusive.

Find out more about the steps you can take to Get Ready for summer at www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/get-ready

NSW Premier Chris Minns said, Our emergency services are ready for whatever comes their way this summer, but we can all play our part in preparing for the summer holiday season. 

“Whether it’s fires, floods, or staying safe on our roads and our waterways, emergency services have our back.

“The most important thing you can do when travelling is have a quick conversation with those you’re with to make sure you have a plan if things go wrong.

“I wish everyone a great break and stay safe over the summer holidays”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “Our emergency services agencies work together year-round to help keep our state as safe as possible, but summer is a particularly busy time with more people out and about and the weather heating up.”

“As a community, we all benefit from a high degree of preparedness. We can all do our bit to make it easier for emergency services personnel, and the Get Ready NSW website is a one-stop-shop for residents to access up-to-date information.”

“Have a home emergency plan and kit, clean your gutters, downpipes and drains, secure loose items around your backyard and balcony, and trim trees and branches that could fall onto your home.”

“I’d like to say a big thank you to our emergency services personnel and volunteers who will be giving up their time over the festive season to help keep communities safe.”

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said, “There’s heavier traffic on the roads during summer, particularly around public holidays. We want to everyone to get to their destination safely so we’re imploring everyone to drive safely and stick to the road rules.

“Too often, speeding is a major contributing factor in fatal and serious injury crashes so we urge people to drive to the conditions and stick to the speed limit. If you’re heading to a celebration – have a Plan B.

“Police will be highly visible on our roads and will conduct traffic operations throughout summer. I want to thank these officers who are sacrificing time with their own family and friends to help keep us safe.”

NSW State Emergency Service Commissioner Mike Wassing said, “Storms can occur year-round, but the risk is higher during the summer months. We have already seen just in recent weeks the destruction that storms can cause across NSW, including flash flooding and flood rescues.

“Storm season which occurs from October – March each year, increases the likelihood of strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can damage homes, cars, and put lives at risk.

“As we approach the summer holiday period, it's crucial to understand the risks, have an emergency plan and know where to find information during an emergency.”

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said, "Households and landholders should be proactive in preparing and discussing a plan for how to respond if fire threatens."

"The public can support our crews by ensuring their homes are well-prepared and maintained, especially if they live in high-risk areas."

“If you and your families are travelling over the summer and holiday period, be sure to monitor the weather and fire danger ratings, and have a plan in place to leave early if you're in an area at risk of grass or bushfires.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said, “Police want to see everyone enjoy their holiday season and get home safely. This means obeying all road rules, not driving while you’re tired, taking breaks on long trips, and driving to the conditions.

“We will see heavier traffic on our roads right across the state, and police will be out in force targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue and any unsafe driver behaviour.

“When you drive on the state’s roads you have a responsibility to your passengers and other road users to drive safely and not put anyone at risk of harm - one road fatality is one too many.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said, “Fire and Rescue NSW is here to help, but we’re asking everyone to Get Ready by taking simple steps to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

“Make sure your home has a working smoke alarm - it just takes seconds to check. Only working smoke alarms save lives.

“Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) are found in small portable devices such as phones, laptops and power tools, as well as in larger devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters. LiB fires are the fastest growing fire risk in NSW, so please, when buying and using LiB-powered products, shop, charge and recycle safely.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said, “It doesn’t take much, but being prepared means knowing how to act quickly and safely when it matters most. With the right planning and awareness, you can reduce risks, protect your loved ones, and help your community recover faster.

“Being prepared doesn’t have to be overwhelming – the Get Ready NSW website puts the vital information you need at your fingertips. From understanding your risks and emergency warnings to creating a plan, packing essentials, downloading helpful apps, and even starting a conversation with your neighbour, it’s all in one place to make your preparation simple and stress-free.

“Being prepared is in your hands.”