The pandemic hasn't only changed our ordinary lives, it;s forced a shift in how emergency services respond to a disaster, according to a Resilience NSW spokesperson.
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The spokesperson said COVID-19 "introduces new challenges to the traditional disaster evacuation model".
One of these changes is to encourage evacuees to seek refuge with friends and family as the first port of call.
The NSW Government will continue to provide emergency accomodation for those who do not have the option of staying with friends or family, the spokesperson said.
Evacuation centres will still be provided if necessary, and run in consultation with NSW Health to ensure they ar COVID safe.
Changes to traditional evacuation centre management include maintaining social distancing and personal hygiene and the operation of assembly areas outside evacuation centres where evacuees may wait in their vehicles before being moving to alternative accommodation.
Personal Protective Equipment, such as masks, will also be introduced into evacuation centre kits, and people will be screened for symtpoms upon entry.
Bushfire season in NSW traditionally begins on October 1, but may begin earlier depending on weather conditions.
Having a Bush Fire Survival Plan will help you avoid making last minute decisions that could be deadly.
Your Bush Fire Survival Plan outlines what you need to do to prepare yourself, your family, your pets and what actions each member of your family will need to do to be safe.
A good plan will consider the different situations you may be faced with and what you will do if things go wrong.
In a bush fire, the situation can change quickly and your plan should cover this.
Download your Bush Fire Survival Plan today at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and for more information please call 1800 NSW RFS.