Windy and warm conditions prompt warning
24th August 2009Ministerial media release
Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan has today issued a warning for residents to take precautions to protect their families and homes in the warm and windy conditions being experienced across a large part of the State.
Mr Whan said gusting winds had already brought down trees in Western Sydney and fire services were on alert for the possibility of fires starting.
"The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is closely monitoring the conditions across the State and has crews ready for any outbreak of fire," he said.
"State Emergency Service volunteers also are being placed on standby, particularly in the Illawarra-South coast region, where winds are expected to impact tonight and tomorrow morning.
"As always, SES crews are ready to respond to any calls for help from people suffering damage."
Mr Whan said householders should clear their yards and balconies of loose items that could become dangerous missiles in high winds, including light-weight garden furniture, toys and pet accessories.
Cars should be parked under secure cover and away from trees and children and pets kept indoors.
People should also delay hazard reduction activities on their properties until conditions improve.
Mr Whan said temperatures in the State's north were expected to reach the mid-30s today, with gusty winds of up to 60km/hr also forecast.
"With conditions like that, it can take just a moment of carelessness for a fire to quickly develop," he said.
"People should wait for more suitable conditions before they carry out any hazard reduction activities and ensure they have equipment on hand in case of a fire".
Mr Whan said some areas of the State, particularly in the north, already had started the Bush Fire Danger Period, underlining the dry conditions.
"People should be using this time to prepare their properties for fire season," he said.
"That means clearing fuel from around their property, such as leaves in gutters, inspecting and preparing firefighting equipment and ensuring they have a plan so everyone in the home knows what to do in the event of a fire.
"Work such as this can increase the likelihood of your property surviving a fire and people should be doing as much as possible before summer," Mr Whan said.
Anyone needing assistance from the SES can call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
Windy and warm conditions prompt warning (PDF 27KB)