Due to the extreme bushfire danger faced by NSW on Tuesday, multiple agencies have released information on how the state's population can stay as safe as possible.
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This article contains advice from the Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance, Police, Health, Maritime, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as information on utilities, animals, schools, transport and evacuation centres.
Rural Fire Service
Under these conditions, some fires may start and spread so quickly there is little time for a warning, so do not wait and see.
There are simply not enough fire trucks for every house. If you call for help, you may not get it.
Do not expect a firetruck. Do not expect a knock on the door. Do not expect a phone call.
Stay up to date on fires in your area. People are urged to download the Fires Near Me app by clicking here.
Keep up-to-date with major fire update on the RFS's website.
For a list of Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) click here.
For more information about the fires, contact the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737
What to do
Start taking action now to reduce your risk.
Avoid bush fire prone areas. If your home is in a bush fire prone area, the safest option is to not be there.
Do not travel through bushland areas.
A safer location may be a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from bushland. It may also be a designated NSP.
Neighbourhood Safer Place (NSP)
A NSP is designed as a place of last resort in bush fire emergencies only. Travelling to or sheltering at a safer place does not guarantee your safety.
Your safest option will always be to leave early.
People with special needs, such as the elderly and people with a disability, should always leave before the threat of a bushfire.
If it is unsafe to leave the area or stay and defend your property, and the path is clear, you should move to your pre-identified NSP, or other safer location, prior to the impact of a bush fire.
The conditions at the NSP may be uncomfortable and you may be affected by heat, smoke and embers.
Water, toilets and food may not be available at the NSP and emergency service personnel may not be present.
These safer places are not intended for pets and livestock.
Evacuation centres
Evacuation centres are in place throughout fire-affected areas of the state.
The most up-to-date information is available here.
The NSW Police Force keep their Facebook page up to date with evacuation centres that are open, click here to see.
Education
Hundreds of schools across the state are closed. Affected schools have been notified, but an up-to-date list can be found by clicking here.
Any parent with questions should talk to their principal. Parents and carers are also reminded that children should not be left alone.
Transport
Motorists should delay all non-essential travel.
Many roads remain closed due to bush fires. Be prepared for conditions to change quickly and roads to close suddenly.
If you need to travel, also make sure you've got water, food, supplies and a full tank of fuel. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before you set out.
If you are already travelling when a bushfire starts, follow the directions of emergency services personnel.
For the latest information on road closures, check Live Traffic's website, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.
For the latest information on public transport, check Transport NSW's website, download a transport app or call 131 500.
National Parks and Wildlife
In response to predicted catastrophic fire weather all national parks will be closed from Tuesday, November 12 until further notice, click here for a full list.
All visitors to national parks are reminded that a total fire ban has been declared and all forms of flame-based cooking and barbecues are not permitted.
For details on what is permissible click here.
Maritime
Given the conditions across the state, NSW Maritime encourages boaters to stay off the water in the coming days until conditions improve.
NSW Health
If you are preparing to leave, make sure you pack your medications, including those in the fridge.
Smoke can cause health problems, particularly for people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions like asthma, emphysema, angina or heart failure.
Avoid outdoor physical activity if it is smoky, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition like asthma.
People with asthma should follow their asthma management plans.
If you have asthma, make sure you keep your reliever medication close to hand.
If your reliever medication has run out or is passed its use-by date, you can buy a new one from the pharmacy without a prescription.
You can reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors with the doors and windows shut. Air conditioning can help to filter out smoke that gets into your house.
This link contains a fact sheet with information about what to do if fire retardants have been used on your property and may have affected your private drinking water supply.
NSW Ambulance
Be aware of potential hazards such as embers, falling debris, damage to surroundings and reduced visibility which can cause injury.
Paramedics are urging people in fire affected areas to wear any form of eyewear and loose clothing to cover their skin to assist in reducing any incidental injury.
NSW Ambulance recommends if anyone sustains any form of burn they should cool the affected area immediately with water - ideally running water - for a minimum of 20 minutes (for eyes ensure you flush the eye) and seek medical attention.
Ensure you stay hydrated and pay particular attention to any symptoms (dizziness, headaches, racing pulse or nausea) of heat-related illness.
Agriculture and animal services
Include your animals in your bush fire plan.
If you can, take your animals with you. Assistance from Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area is available if you attend an evacuation centre.
NSW Environment Protection Authority
Utilities
Keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
Police
For general information or assistance about the bush fires call the Public Information Inquiry Centre on 1800 227 228.
For non-urgent assistance call your local police.
Police encourage all people in and around fire affected areas to register online with the Red Cross operated Register Find Reunite site.
Anyone who sees suspicious or illegal behaviour is urged to contact police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or its website.
If you require emergency assistance call 000.