Frequently Asked Questions

Situation awareness is important.

Download Apps including:

• Emergency Plus App
• Fires near me
• Floods safe
• Live traffic (more metropolitan)
• Local Council website for local traffic

Have a fire plan and make up a Kit Bag including:

• a car mobile phone charger
• battery powered transistor radio with extra batteries tuned to ABC 97.3 (the dedicated emergency management broadcaster in Shoalhaven and Illawarra)
• torch
• cash in case there is power outage i.e. eftpos machines won’t work
• enough medications to last a week or two
• save the Emergency helpline 4429 5888 in your phone contacts

For more information visit the Emergency NSW Emergency Kits web page.

Evacuation centres are an integral part of our process.

Managing the risk of COVID-19 is a challenge, the NSW Government recently updated guidelines in regards to Evacuation Centres.

Government agencies are reluctant to open Evacuation Centres during a pandemic.

If an Evacuation Order is given people are encouraged to stay with family or friends that you know are healthy themselves.

If this isn't possible you should register their number for emergency accommodation. This system worked reasonably well during the recent floods.

Amanda Findley - I spent a lot of time at the evacuation centre and it was community who ran a notice board around assistance for accomodation - the government agencies don't wont to be involved in this type of scheme as they are concerned about blow back i.e. if  there is an assault  or a theft they don't want to be in the middle of that kind of squabble - so it just remains up to community to manage - at the civic centre it was basically a white board that required fairly intensive management by volunteers who rang each household offering accommodation to see what the status was and keeping it on the whiteboard.

ABC radio are in attendance in the emergency centre.

We have them on speed dial and direct lines to all media channels so we can provide the latest information within minutes when a decision was made

The ABC has an obligation, as an emergency channel to quote us word for word while

The other channels usually also quote us word for word but are not obligated to.

Listen to authoritative sources including the ABC radio, RFS and Council’s website and social channels.

Fires Near Me App app was working. Sometimes there can be a time delay in updates loading due to telecommunications issues the need to ratify information before it is manually added to the APP. Don’t use one channel as the only source of truth.

Use other Apps including:

• Emergency Plus App
• Fires near me
• Floods safe
• Live traffic (more metropolitan)
• Local Council website for local traffic.

If you are in a poor reception area, this needs to be built into your fire plan.

Council publishes all community grants available on this Shoalhaven Bushfire Recovery website. 

You can also call Council’s Bushfire Assistance helpline 4429 5888 and ask what grants are currently available. 

Yes, RFS recently purchased a 737 Air Tanker

Through Goodwin's $5.5 million sponsorship a 412 Helicopter (bucket machine) has been added to the RFS fleet. 

More resources, from the northern hemisphere, are being contracted for the next fire season.

When developing a fire plan pets and livestock must be considered. You need to be able to move your animals yourself

Yes, in conjunction with local Council this is an important part of our planning system livestock can be moved to Council showgrounds etc. We also assist with food, water and veterinary checks if needed.

Government agencies can only organise paid accommodation.

A home isolation system could be organised through non-government agencies

In the recent emergency people were asked to register with Nowra Police to be provided with emergency accommodation and follow the public health website’s to implement a COVID safe plan.

Both. Locally we do the most input, but Sydney (Head Office) can also upload like any Emergency Alert so it is sent out immediately.

There is a 70 per cent chance of La Nina, which generally means wetter than average conditions

We are expecting higher rainfall - whether that gets realised remains to be seen.

A place that is identifies by the RFS as an Evacuation Centre must meets specific standards.

There are currently 28 Evacuation Centres in Shoalhaven and we are continuing to roll them out.

An Evacuation Centre or Assembly Area is the It’s the best place you can be. It may be a paddock in a an area, or a structure that meets the specific standards.

Suitable Evacuation Centres include:

Place of safety
Pre-identify suitability for large volumes of people in a safe environment to cope manage COVID measures
Obligations to provide welfare facilities
Accommodation
Domestic pets
Medical needs and resources

Evacuation Centres and assembly Areas are assessed as a minimum every 12 moths.

During a bush fire, Alert Levels are used to give you an indication of the level of threat from a fire.

Remember – don't wait for a warning. Some fires start and spread so quickly there may not be any time for a warning. If you get a Bush Fire Alert, you must take it seriously. Failure to take action can result in death or injury to you or your family members.

There are three levels of Bush Fire Alerts:

Advice
A fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Watch And Act
There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning
An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bush Fire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

For some fires, you may hear a warning message over your radio or television, such as a siren, or you may receive an Emergency Alert text message or phone call. Other fires may start so quickly that there will be no time for any warning at all.

The 4424 7888 Bushfire Recovery and COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line has been established to provide an easy point of access for anyone feeling overwhelmed or dealing with difficult emotions in response to the 2019/20 bushfires and/or the COVID -19 pandemic.

Contact the Mental Health Bushfire Recovery and COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line on 4424 7888 between 8:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday.

For more information visit the online Factsheet. 

Please call the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511 Lifeline on 13 11 14 after hours.

Young people are especially vulnerable to the indirect affects of natural disasters due to these events sometimes being their first exposure, their developmental stage and their increased likelihood of high levels of exposure to graphic content – particularly via social media. 
To find out how you can help visit Information for family and friends supporting young people affected by a natural disaster.

For more information visit Department of NSW Health.

Topics include:

• Air Quality Index (AQI)
• Support services
• Beat the heat
• Protect yourself from bushfire smoke
• Illness and injury from bushfire
• Returning home safely
• Information for childcare centres and parents
• Medications and prescriptions

While members of the community are understandably keen to return to their properties and sift through fire-damaged material, they need to be aware of the associated health risks.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District issued Public Health Advice for Bushfire-Affected Areas reminding residents and their families to take extra precautions when returning to homes and properties affected by bushfires.

Community members should not sift through fire-damaged material until it has been inspected and verified to be free of asbestos and other hazardous material.

Building and structures burnt in bushfires can leave potential health and safety hazards in the remaining rubble and ash.

Health risks include exposure to asbestos, ash from burnt-treated timbers, medicines, garden or farm chemicals, household chemicals and cleaning products, damaged gas bottles, metal and other residues from burnt household appliances as well as ash and dust.

Fibres can also become trapped on clothing and other items and transported off-site.

Licensed contractors from NSW Public Works are progressively working through fire-affected areas in the Shoalhaven as quickly as they can.

For more information on your property, call 1800 88 55 39.

For more information on property hazards following a bushfire visit SafeWork NSW.

The asbestos risk has been assessed and the property is safe regarding this. However, structural issues may exist and therefore Council does not recommend entering the property.

Engineering assessment is not a Council function. Those with insurance should contact their insurance companies who will be able to provide engineers to assess the structural integrity.

If you do not have insurance, contact Council. We may be able to refer you to Public Works who may provide some assistance. This however, will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Property owners can access their property file and house plans through Council at any time. Authorised representatives, with a signed authorisation from the property owner, may also access these files.

The steps to lodging a development application (DA) and the assessment process  are published on the Council Developments Steps webpage. 

Council has waived all fees in relation to applications to rebuild buildings damaged in the recent bushfires.

If your building has approval (development consent) and you want to replace it with the same building that was approved, you will only need a Construction Certificate (building approval) that will require the new building to comply with current building standards.

If your building has approval (development consent) and you want to replace it with a building that is very similar to the previous building you will need a modification to the original development consent and a  Construction Certificate (building approval) that will require the new building to comply with current building standards.

If your building has approval (development consent) and you want to replace it with a building that is significantly different you will need a new development consent and a Construction Certificate (building approval) that will require the new building to comply with current building standards.

If your building was approved under older legislation (prior to 1980) or existed before planning provisions began in 1964 you will need a new development consent and a Construction Certificate (building approval) that will require the new building to comply with current building standards.

If you need a new development application you will need a new Basix Certificate

If you need a modification of an existing development approval that includes a Basix Certificate you will need a new Basix Certificate

The requirements of the current Planning for Bushfire Protection will apply to any new buildings in mapped bushfire prone areas and the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) will determine the specific requirements.

If you are not in a mapped bushfire prone area you are strongly encouraged to build to BAL 12.5 level.

Yes. You can lodge one application for all the buildings or separate applications if you would prefer to do so.

Contact Council’s Environmental Officers to arrange an inspection and to identify the quickest process for allowing the repairs to be carried out.

If you are insured: 

• Talk to your insurance company as soon as possible about how to make a claim. 
• Take photos or video of damage to your property and possessions as evidence for your claim. 
• If you have clearance from your insurer and evidence for your claim, you can start cleaning up. 

The Insurance Council of Australia can be contacted with any questions, complaints or concerns about insurance on 1800 734 621. 

Legal Aid NSW can provide free legal advice and assistance to people affected by disasters on a range of issues, including insurance. 

Call Legal Aid on 1800 801 529 or LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.

The Inquiry will consider and report to the Premier on:.

1. The causes of, and factors contributing to, the frequency, intensity, timing and location of, bushfires in NSW in the 2019-20 bushfire season, including consideration of any role of weather, drought, climate change, fuel loads and human activity.
   
   
2. The preparation and planning by agencies, government, other entities and the community for bushfires in NSW, including current laws, practices and strategies, and building standards and their application and effect.
   
   
3. Responses to bushfires, particularly measures to control the spread of the fires and to protect life, property and the environment, including:
   • immediate management, including the issuing of public warnings
   • resourcing, coordination and deployment
   • equipment and communication systems.
4. Any other matters that the inquiry deems appropriate in relation to bushfires.
   
   And to make recommendations arising from the Inquiry as considered appropriate, including on:
5. Preparation and planning for future bushfire threats and risks.
   
   
6. Land use planning and management and building standards, including appropriate clearing and other hazard reduction, zoning, and any appropriate use of indigenous practices.
   
   
7. Appropriate action to adapt to future bushfire risks to communities and ecosystems.
   
   
8. Emergency responses to bushfires, including overall human and capital resourcing.
   
   
9. Coordination and collaboration by the NSW Government with the Australian Government, other state and territory governments and local governments.
   
   
10. Safety of first responders.
    
    
11. Public communication and advice systems and strategies.

The deadline for submissions is 27 March 2020. This date will be extended for those directly impacted by the bushfires.

You can also provide your feedback by:

• Online: Make a Submission to the Bushfire Inquiry
• Email: inquiries@bushfireinquiry.nsw.gov.au
• Post: NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry, GPO Box 5341, Sydney NSW 2001
• Phone: 13 77 88 (if you have limited computer or internet access)
• In-person: Service NSW Service Centre or a Mobile Service Centre.

Your response and feedback will help to inform the Inquiry's work. 

For more information visit Make a Submission to the Bushfire Inquiry and Inquiry's Terms of Reference. 

It is a legal requirement that all bushfire hazard complaints are referred to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) investigation. 

Bushfire Hazard Complaints can be lodged on the NSW RFS website.

You can also write to NSW RFS at PO Box 372 Nowra 2541.

For more information visit NSW RFS website.

The NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police Force are committed to fighting bush fire arson. Bush fire arson is dangerous. It can destroy lives, properties and have long term effects on the environment.

If you see something that looks out of place record the details of vehicles such as the make, model and registration of suspicious vehicles. Also take note of the appearance of anyone acting suspiciously.

Report suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

To report a fire emergency call Triple Zero (000).

For more information visit NSW RFS Bushfire Arson.

After fires have impacted a property, trees can be susceptible to falling due to damage to their trunk or root ball.

The State Emergency Service should be contacted on 132 500 or a tree surgeon in the first instance if trees are at imminent danger of falling and causing damage to life or property.

Any other tree removal will be dealt with in the normal manner in line with Council's Tree and Vegitation Management DCP.

Vegetation that has been burnt by bushfire will regenerate over time. Being impacted by bushfire is not a reason to conduct clearing of the vegetation and requires the same approval process in-place prior to the bushfires.

Illegal clearing of vegetation is still an offence and allegations of clearing will be investigated by Council or Department Planning Industry & Environment.

Fire retardants are used to slow the spread or intensity of a fire. They help fire fighters on the ground to control and contain a fire and help protect properties. Fire retardants may also be dropped from aircraft during firefighting operations. 

Sometimes a red coloured pigment, made from iron oxide, is added so that those spraying can see where they have released the fire retardant. Fire retardants consist of detergent chemicals made from a combination of wetting agents and foaming chemicals, fertilisers (ammonium and diammonium sulfate and ammonium phosphate) mixed with thickeners (guar gum) and corrosion inhibitors (for aircraft safety). They are mixed with water to form a foam or slurry. Examples include, Angus Forexpan S and Phos-Chek WD-881, Phos- Chek D75-F and Phos-Chek D75-R. 

Fire retardants are mixed with water before they are used in the environment. After the water has completely evaporated, the remaining chemical residue retards vegetation or other materials from igniting, until it is removed by rain or erosion. Fire retardants also work by binding to plant material (cellulose) and preventing combustion.

The fire retardants currently used in Australia are of low toxicity. Testing shows these chemicals can produce minor irritant effects, such as minor respiratory irritation, before they are mixed with water. Gels can irritate eyes, airways and the skin. 

Risk assessments carried out in the United States and in Victoria demonstrate that the risk of health effects is very low, even to people who are accidentally exposed to the fire retardants during their application. The health risk from drinking rain water contaminated with fire retardants is also low, but the water may taste and smell unpleasant and consumption should be avoided. 

Anyone working with fire retardants are required to wear gloves, goggles and dust masks when handling the powder.

If eye contact occurs, rinse eyes with fresh water continuously for several minutes until all contaminant is washed out.  If symptoms develop or persist, seek medical attention.

If swallowed, rinse your mouth out with fresh water; then consult a doctor.

If skin contact occurs, wash the affected area with soap and water. 

For further information call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

The most effective way to prevent contamination of your water tank is to ensure that your tank is properly sealed. 

In addition:

• Disconnect your water tank as soon as there is a bush fire risk to prevent contaminated water from entering it.
• Install a first flush diverter or make sure the first part of runoff after rain cannot go into your tank to prevent any water runoff from your roof containing fire retardant from entering your tank. It will also prevent embers, ash and other contaminants from entering your drinking water. 
• Make sure you clean your roof after a bushfire.
• If fire retardant does enter your water tank do not drink or use the water for food preparation. The high levels of ammonia and sulfate may make it smell unpleasant and taste salty.
• Contaminated water is not suitable for drinking for humans as well as animals; including pets and livestock. 
• The water can still be used for irrigation and fire-fighting purposes.
• Boiling the water will not remove contamination.

When cleaning surfaces wear protective equipment such as safety glasses, disposable gloves and a disposable face mask.

If aerial fire retardant or fire-fighting foam residue is present on your house or cars, use a mild detergent with water and brushes to scrub and dilute the dried residue then rinse with clean water.

Further information on the maintenance of rainwater tanks can be found on the NSW Health website.