Written by residents Mary and Susan
Like most of NSW, we have had a lot of rain here in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley and as the SES says, it will flood again. We have shared flood preparation information and resources in previous newsletter articles and SES resources can be accessed by calling Link Wentworth’s Windsor office on 4777 8000.
Be ready to go in an emergency
Everyone knows that each individual (whether human or pet) needs a “go bag” with items such as individual personal paperwork, a battery-run radio and supplies such as medication. The Ready to Go project can help you put important information onto a USB flash drive. Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGA residents can make an appointment with Melissa Stortenbeker by calling 0458 723 141 or emailing melissa@blighpark.org.au. Hawkesbury LGA residents can call Maya Manojlovic on 0458 724 590 or email maya@blighpark.org.au. Doing this could save you much time if you need to rush out the door.
If you don’t have a mobile phone, your street directory or map can help you find where you need to go. If you do have access to a device and the internet, you can get the radio and resources on the internet such as livetraffic.com for road closures. Local councils and community colleges have free “Tech savvy” courses which can teach you how to use your device.
Access with Susan
As someone who lives with a disability and uses a wheelchair, I have requirements and I need to leave as early as I can if an emergency occurs. If you live with a disability, here are some things you need to consider:
- What will you do if you can’t get your supports or medical supplies during or after an emergency?
- If you need to leave your home, are you able to get to a safe haven quickly (friends, family or a community hub)? If you use community transport, would it be available?
- Is your safe haven accessible and suitable? Can you get to and through the doors? Are there proper ramps, rails and adequate lighting? Are there power points for life saving equipment?
It is important to know which emergencies could impact you and speak to your support services and network and create a plan for how you will manage your support needs in an emergency.
This article originally appeared in the October 2022 edition of Link Wentworth’s resident newsletter
Link Wentworth wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we work and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.