Emergency information

Cessnock Disaster Dashboard

Council has launched an online Disaster Dashboard that provides real-time information to help residents and visitors of the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) be aware of, prepare for and respond in times of disaster. 

The Dashboard provides real-time information on live emergencies, fire and flood risk as well as COVID-19 data, important phone numbers, disaster preparedness advice and recovery resources. 

Screenshot of the Cessnock Disaster Dashboard

With technology powered by Resilience NSW, the Dashboard pulls the most reliable localised disaster information from emergency services agencies. This includes information from NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Transport for NSW (TfNSW), Ausgrid and NSW Health. The Dashboard is a hub of information that is easy to access and understand.  

This project is coordinated by Resilience NSW’s Regional Disaster Preparedness Program. Visit the Cessnock Disaster Dashboard online here

Below you will find additional information specific to bushfires, flood and storms.

Bushfires

If you're concerned about a bushfire hazard on your property or an adjoining property, you need to contact the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). The NSW RFS  provides current information regarding:

  • current major incident activity
  • current Total Fire Bans
  • advice on protecting your property and other fire related safety information
  • building development

Keep up to date

In a bushfire emergency it's important you keep up to date.


Report it

  • In an emergency call 000
  • If you need to report an unattended fire contact call 000
  • If your home or business has lost power, visit Ausgrid for updates. Contact 13 13 88 for emergencies or 13 13 65 for enquiries.


Be prepared


Hazard reduction 

The NSW RFS manage all hazard reduction activities. This is any activity that reduces or removes fuel before the onset of a bushfire. For more information about this visit NSW RFS website.

Floods and storms

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is the lead combat agency for flood, storm and tsunami emergencies. In an emergency call 132 500.

The SES can also provide advice on:

  • Planning and preparing for a flood
  • Knowing your risk
  • Effects of flooding on rural property owners

Stay up-to-date 


Report it

  • If your home or business has lost power, visit Ausgrid for updates. Contact 131 388 for emergencies or 131 365 for enquiries.
  • For dangerous trees on private land, call the SES on 132 500. If there is a threat to life call 000.
  • Trees on public land that have fallen onto private property will be cut up and removed by Council as soon as practicable.


Council's role

Council may assist the SES in clearing up storm damage, fallen trees and other tasks. During an emergency please call the SES on 132 500.


Report it 

In an emergency there is often damage causing disruptions to your services. Find out who to contact below.

Damage to power lines or power outage

If power lines are damaged or brought down by storm or other natural events, don't go near them or make any contact with the lines. Keep people and animals away. Call 000 and advise police, or the SES, immediately.

Report the issue to Ausgrid 13 13 88 for emergencies or 13 13 65 for enquiries.

Loss of reception

If your home or business has lost television reception, visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority or call 1300 850 115 or email info@acma.gov.au.

Water or sewerage issues

Storms can cause sewers to block or overflow. Large storms may also cause damage to water supplies.

Report all emergency incidents to Hunter Water 1300 657 000 or visit Hunter Water.

Phone/internet outage or lack of service

Call your telecommunications provider to report any outage.

Road closure

 During and immediately after significant floods and storms, please avoid non-essential journeys to affected areas.

To find information on road closures visit Live Traffic NSW for updates.

For local road closures please visit Council's road closures.

Fallen trees and debris

  • For dangerous trees on private land, call the SES on 132 500.
  • Report all other incidents to Council's Customer Service Centre on (02) 4993 4100.
  • Trees on public land that have fallen onto private property will be cut up and removed by Council as soon as practicable

Preparing for emergency

NSW Government - 'Get Ready'

We've joined the NSW Government’s ‘Get Ready’ initiative which outlines how to prepare for any emergency. Visit the Office of Emergency Management's 'Get Ready NSW' website for more information. 

Australian Red Cross - 'Get Prepared'   

Council also supports the Australian Red Cross 'Get Prepared' and #ReadyTogether initiatives. Visit the Australian Red Cross website for more information and to download the Get Prepared app.

nbn (National Broadband Network) - 'Always On'   

While the nbn® network is built and designed to be as resilient as possible, it’s important to remember that the majority of outages on the nbn® network during emergencies are caused by power outages. That is why it is important for households and business to prepare in case of disrupted connectivity.

nbn - simple steps for internet preparedness

nbn is urging the community to prepare by taking four simple steps:

  1. Stay mobile: Keep a charged mobile phone and portable mobile battery pack ready to use in a power outage, or if your nbn® connection is disrupted in an emergency event. Consider turning off cellular data on unnecessary apps to save battery.
  2. Stay updated: Local radio is a good source of information during an emergency, so include a battery powered radio in your emergency communications kit. Also follow emergency services, including your state Fire and Rescue and Police Services, as well as utility companies and nbn (@NBN_Australia) on social media for updates.
  3. Back up: To make sure you can access important information and essential documents from anywhere, including insurance policies and financial documents, consider creating a digital back up on a USB or in the cloud.
  4. Be Prepared: Test residential evacuation and business continuity plans, including considering investing in alternative communication and power options to keep your business or community group operating – these need to be tried and tested regularly as part of your Business Continuity Plans.

 


Recovery assistance

The aftermath of an emergency can be extremely difficult. Disaster Welfare Services can provide assistance as you and your family recover. For details on assistance available call Disaster Welfare on 1800 018 444 or visit NSW Disaster Recovery.


Recovery grant information

Grant funding for individuals, community groups, businesses and primary producers is currently available through federal, state and private funding bodies. If you have been affected by recent disaster, explore the below links for grants opportunities to fund recovery and resilience activities.