In the wake of the devastating bushfires of 2019/20, SHASA has been actively involved in disaster preparedness activities to promote better community response and resilience in the event of another disaster. These include:
- establishing and providing ongoing operational and communications support for a network of community bushfire and heatwave havens
- supporting the development of the Eurobodalla Preparedness Guide
- holding training workshops in the use of emergency preparedness apps and developing emergency plans
- hosting the Nestwell platform which enables the community to identify, list and find available spaces for shelter and accommodation during a disaster.
Heat and Smoke Havens
Following the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20, SHASA engaged with community organisations on a strategy to enhance their buildings so that in a future emergency, when they mobilise and support their community as they did during those devastating fires, they could do so using a building that has power, clean and cool air, and a working internet connection. This resulted in 2022 in SHASA’s Bushfire and Heatwave Haven strategy which documented the improvements needed to a dozen buildings opened by community organisations. We then applied for grants to fund the work needed.
Eurobodalla Preparedness Guide
The Eurobodalla Preparedness Guide is designed to help every individual, family, neighbourhood, and community member be better prepared for emergencies.
With clear, easy-to-use checklists and trusted resources all gathered in one handy guide, it’s your go-to companion to help you plan ahead and stay safe.
The guide was created by locals Sandra Makdessi and Von Hutcheson, with financial support from SHASA and the Regenerate Regional Leadership Program from Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Ltd.
The Eurobodalla Preparedness Guide is available as a printable PDF.
Emergency Plans and Preparedness Apps
At SHASA workshops held together with the Red Cross and The Tec Exec, the following emergency preparedness apps were recommended:
Red Cross Get Prepared app helps you create a personal emergency online version of your preparedness plan, known as a “RediPlan”. It provide checklists, survival plans, and emergency contact guides, helping you and your family prepare before a disaster strikes — not during one.
Fires Near Me (NSW RFS), BOM, and Live Traffic provide real-time alerts, instant warnings and updates about traffic conditions, fires, floods, and severe weather in your area. These alerts are often faster and more detailed than radio or TV broadcasts.
Emergency Plus: helps people call the right emergency number and provide their exact location in an emergency.
ABC Radio: ABC Radio South Coast gives reliable news and updates locally on the South Coast. The website is also full of tips and useful information.
Nestwell Emergency Community Shelter and Accommodation Platform
SHASA proudly hosts Nestwell, a two-sided platform that allows people to find shelter or accommodation in their local community during a disaster; and members of the local community to list anything they can offer that can be used for shelter and accommodation.
The platform was developed with funding from the National Emergency Management Agency to better prepare communities for disasters following the Black Summer bushfires.
FAQs and Further Reading
Why emergency preparedness apps?
Having emergency preparedness apps downloaded and set up on your phone can literally save lives. Here’s why:
- Emergency apps give you real-time alerts and use your GPS location to show exactly what’s happening near you — including evacuation zones, road closures, and safe shelters. This is crucial if you’re travelling or in an unfamiliar area.
- Official apps deliver verified, government-sourced information, ensuring you act on reliable advice. During emergencies, misinformation can spread quickly on social media.
- Some emergency apps can still display critical information offline or with limited connectivity if you’ve already downloaded alerts or maps — vital in areas with poor reception.
Instead of an app, where can I print out and fill in an emergency plan?
The Red Cross RediPlan is recommended.
Heatwave & Bushfire Havens Map – Batemans Bay & District
Heatwave & Bushfire Havens Map – Moruya & District
Heatwave & Bushfire Havens Map – Narooma & District