Useful Links And Apps

It’s a mobile app (iOS and Android) developed by the NSW Government in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW State Emergency Service (SES). hazardsnear.me+2Digital NSW+2
 

The app provides real-time hazard warnings for a range of emergencies, including Bushfires, Floods and Tsunamis

You can set up “Watch Zones” — specific geographic areas where you want to receive alerts.
 

The app sends push notifications when new incidents are reported or when the status of a hazard changes.

 The app is a community-resource built as part of their “Connected & Prepared – Community Emergency Response” project. macdonaldvalleyassociation.org.au
 

It was developed to give residents quick access to local emergency-planning tools and information.
 

Specifically, the app provides:
 

Links to river gauges — so you can monitor local water levels (very useful for flood risk).
 

Live camera feeds — helping you keep an eye on local conditions.
 

AED (defibrillator) locations — showing where the nearest defibrillators are in the valley. 

 Fire Danger Ratings - What Are They?

Fire danger ratings which are updated daily, and are a way to describe how dangerous a fire would be if one started, based on conditions like temperature, wind, humidity, and fuel.
 

They don’t tell you how likely a fire is to start — just how bad it could be / how fast it could spread / how hard to control.
 

Under the newer Australian Fire Danger Rating System, NSW uses four main categories: Moderate, High, Extreme, Catastrophic.
 

There is also a “No Rating” level for days when fire risk is very low.

Information can be found at  Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans - NSW Rural Fire Service 

A Total Fire Ban (also called TOBAN) is declared by the NSW RFS on days when the fire danger is very high and conditions are likely to be very unsafe.
 

It applies for at least a 24-hour period.
 

These bans are usually declared the day before (in the afternoon) for the next day, but they can be changed (declared or revoked) at any time.
 

What Does a Total Fire Ban Mean for You?
During a Total Fire Ban, no fire can be lit in the open.
 

This includes campfires, wood / charcoal / solid-fuel barbecues, and liquid fuel fires.
 

Some exemptions exist: for example, gas barbecues may be used in certain controlled circumstances (e.g., certain parks) if there is a responsible adult, cleared area, water nearby, etc.

More information can be found here:  Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans - NSW Rural Fire Service 

Stay Up to Date with:

Fire Danger Ratings

Explanation of fire danger ratings, what they mean, and what actions you should take at each level
Guidance on how to use fire danger ratings in your Bush Fire Survival Plan.
 

Fire Permits & Bush Fire Danger Period 

Information on when fire permits are required (e.g., during the Bush Fire Danger Period) and how to apply.
 

Permit conditions, how to notify RFS, and what to do if there’s a total fire ban.
 

Planning & Preparation Tools
Bush Fire Survival Plan: Tools and guides to create a plan for you, your family, and your property.
 

Bush Fire Risk Management
Local Bush Fire Risk Management Plans, which show what the RFS and local councils are doing to mitigate fire risk in your area. RFS NSW

Fact Sheets & Resources
Emergency Alerts and Warnings
Farm and Rural Fire Safety

More information can be found here:  NSW RFS - NSW Rural Fire Service