As summer approaches, people across Greater Western Sydney are being urged to take a moment to prepare for the extreme heat, fires, and floods that could hit the region in the coming months. It might be easy to put off, but taking just a few minutes to get ready can make all the difference when disaster strikes.

In a region as vast as Greater Western Sydney, the risk of extreme weather events is a very real concern. In recent years, many locals have faced the terrifying effects of floods and bushfires, while heatwaves continue to make life challenging for many. And it’s not just about comfort - research from NSW Health shows that heatwaves can lead to a 13 percent rise in deaths in the region.

Western Sydney often gets much hotter than the rest of the city, sometimes by as much as 10°C, and this summer is likely to be no exception. That’s why the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is calling on residents to be proactive during - Emergency Ready Week - (September 16–22), partnering with the Australian Red Cross to promote simple steps that can help everyone prepare.

WSROC President Councillor Barry Calvert says preparedness is critical: “We’ve seen the devastating impacts that floods and bushfires have had on our communities. Now, with the likelihood of severe heat events, it’s more important than ever to have an emergency plan in place. It’s not just about protecting property—being prepared can help protect the lives of our loved ones.”

The Australian Red Cross suggests four easy steps to get ready:

1. Get in the Know: Understand the risks in your area, where to find reliable information, and how to manage stress during an emergency.

2. Get Connecte*: Identify emergency contacts, meeting places, and people who can help when things go wrong.

3. Get Organised: Make sure important documents, medical info, and plans for pets are all set.

4. Get Packing: Prepare a list of essentials and personal items that you’ll need if you have to leave quickly.

The Red Cross offers plenty of resources to help, including the free Get Prepared app, which walks you through creating an emergency plan, building a support network, and safeguarding your belongings.

According to Calvert, preparing doesn’t take much time: “Spending just five minutes now could save you a lot of stress later. It gives you more control when things get tough and ensures you’re protecting the people and things you care about most.”

For more details on how to protect yourself and your family this summer, visit redcross.org.au/prepare.