Our emergency response
Arrangements for, prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies with the Maitland Local Government Area are covered by the Maitland Local Emergency Management Plan.
Local Emergency Management Committee
The Maitland Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) meets quarterly to carry out its duties as determined under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (SERM Act). The LEMC is responsible for creating plans to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies in the LGA.
Prepare for a natural disaster
Every year flood, fire and other disasters affect peoples' lives and may cause millions of dollars in property damage. They can put your home, family, pets, livelihood and life at risk.
Being prepared can help you and your loved ones make better decisions during a disaster. It can save you money and heartbreak, and could even save your life.
Keep an emergency contact list handy, including Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening situations and the State Emergency Service (SES) 132 500 for community assistance in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Download the Hazards near me app to be informed of hazards in your area.
Ensure your home and contents insurance is adequate. Develop a personal emergency plan with an emergency kit and make sure everyone in your household knows the plan.
Flood preparedness
Council is working on projects to understand and reduce flood risks. We collaborate with agencies like the SES to improve response planning and community awareness about flooding.
While we use advanced methods to simulate potential flood conditions, accurately predicting the precise behaviour of an actual flood event or its impacts is not possible. It’s important that we are well prepared and are capable of adapting to real world circumstances as they unfold. Together, let’s get flood ready!
Resources
Get Ready NSW
We are dedicated to ensuring our community are prepared for hazards with the Get Ready NSW program. Get Ready NSW provide invaluable resources to ensure you and your family are prepared and informed in the event of a natural disaster.
Let’s Get Ready Maitland! Before a disaster strikes, download the NSW Government supported apps that provide updates on weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts and help from emergency services.
During an emergency
During an emergency or natural disaster, Council, NSW Government and emergency management agencies are there to help and provide you with guidance to ensure you receive the most up to date information.
If you need to evacuate, ensure that along with your emergency kit you have packed warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, personal papers, mobile phone, photos and mementos in waterproof bags. If you can't take your pets with you, make a plan for your pets care prior to needing to evacuate.
Check on your friends, family and neighbours and where possible, keep in contact with your friends and family letting them know where you are and where you are going.
Keep an eye on our Disaster Dashboard for information on road closures and flooding, tune into 1233 ABC Newcastle for the latest warnings and advice and monitor the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for weather updates and conditions.