The Emergency Planning Committee have an important message regarding the severe weather warnings for NSW. At Vinnies, your safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
With Cyclone Alfred approaching, we’re facing a combined threat of heavy rainfall, high winds, and potential storm surges in North Eastern NSW.
If you live or work in this region it is crucial that we all stay informed and take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and each other safe.
We understand this kind of weather can be unsettling and we want to assure you that we’re here to support you. Please prioritise your safety and the safety of those around you during this time.
Here's what you need to know to stay safe
Cyclone Alfred brings significant risks of high winds, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges, in addition to potential flooding.
Know your risk. Understand the risks in your area. The NSW SES website
Plan your evacuation. Identify the safety evacuation routes from your home or workplace. Have a plan to stay in touch with your People Leader, family and friends.
Know who to call. Keep emergency numbers handy. NSW SES 132 500 for flood and storm assistance; Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies.
Stay informed. Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) NSW State Emergency Service (SES) LiveTraffic NSW
Always follow the advice and instructions from emergency services. They’re the ones with the most up-to-date information.
Stay indoors: avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors, unless it’s unsafe to do so.
Never drive or enter floodwater. "If it's flooded, forget it." Floodwaters can rise incredibly quickly.
Limit your travel and work from home if you can: If your role allows, please work from home to stay out of harm's way.
Keeping safe
Stay out of damaged buildings: Don’t enter any Vinnies facility if it’s been damaged by floodwaters
Be prepared for power outages. Have torches, batteries, and a battery-powered radio handy, just in case.
Secure or put away items that could blow around in strong winds.
Watch out for wind and storm hazards. Be aware of falling trees, power lines, and debris. Stay away from windows and exterior doors during high winds.
Familiarise yourself with the following factsheets
It’s important to organise sand bagging early rather than later through your local council or SES.
Taking photos of the existing site fit out and condition of the building can help with potential insurance claims.
If advised by your Regional Director and/or People leader that your site may need to close, please use the Flood Site Closure Checklist , if safe to do so.
By taking these steps, we can minimise risks and ensure we're ready for whatever the weather throws our way.
Need help?
For emergencies: Call the NSW SES on 132 500 for help with floods and storms, or Triple Zero (000) if it's a life-threatening emergency.
Find the current Evacuation Centres (NSW)
Reporting maintenance issues or incidents
For Maintenance Requests
If you notice any maintenance issues, such as leaks, damaged structures, please raise a maintenance request through our Property Maintenance Request
For Incident Reporting
For any incidents or hazards that pose an immediate risk to safety, please report them immediately to your People Leader and via our Incident Reporting Management System (IRMS) – online hazard report form online Incident report form
After the storm
Follow the instructions of emergency services.
Don't return to affected areas until the authorities give the all-clear.
Connect with your People Leader for information about returning to affected areas.
Before entering flood affected premises, follow:Flood Site Re-entry Checklist Safety Guidance for Team Leaders Safety Guidance for Clean-up Teams , and
Proceed with caution. Do not enter alone. Take all necessary safety precautions.
We're here to support you:
Senior management, Property, and the Safety team are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they come in.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Regional Director, People Leader, or Safety .
We'll continue to keep you informed and do everything we can to support you through this.
Stay safe
Lee Heycox
On behalf of the Emergency Planning Committee
