At yesterday's media briefing District Commander of the Richmond Police District Scott Tanner provided an update on the evacuation centres.

"There's currently 40 persons that are in the SCU Evac Centre. We've got another 24 that are in the Evans Head Evac Centre. We've got them opened more or less all around the district at the moment, and we're ready and prepared to take people in.

There is no doubt some of those evacuated from the Lismore CBD, South, Lismore, North Lismore and the Wade Park end of East Lismore would have spent the night at the evacuation centre.

When asked about what was provided or avaialble to people looking for a roof, Commander Tanner said, "There is a variety as you can understand. We're putting resources here. And the analogy we give today, don't expect a cruise ship, this is a life raft.

"So it's somewhere where you can go and you can be safe if you're going there expecting that you're going to get a five-star service, it's not available. We are encouraging people that before they go to an evac centre, to explore all possible opportunities with friends and families so that they're in a more comfortable environment."

A shout out to the various charity providers and their staff, who were providing some necessities for those that need them.

Ross and Doug from Anglicare Disaster Recovery were handing out toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, soaps, ladies' items, towels, underwear and socks. They were organising books and board games to keep people entertained while they batten down in the centre.

The Salvation Army Northern Rivers team were feeding people healthy ham and salad wraps.

Then there was the pet section run by a state government section incase anyone has to bring their fur babies with them.

If you cast your mind back three years, when the evacuation centre was set up quickly out of necessity, it is easy to see that lessons were learnt and forward planning has made such a difference to those who will be staying at the SCU evacuation centre.

As Commander Tanner said, try and stay with family and friends as your first option. If you do need emergency accommodation, you will find the SCU Evacuation Centre off Rifle Range Road, East Lismore, near the health precinct.

If there is flooding on Military Road, you can access the centre from Kelas Street, Lismore Heights via the Bruxner Highway or the Rotary Drive roundabout. Turn onto Kelas Street, head down the hill to the university and take a left at the stop sign. The evacuation centre will be on your right at the bottom of the hill.