Go early — the more time you have, the better. The safest place to be in an emergency is away from the risk. Acting early matters because the things you need to do take time: roads can close, and access to certain areas can be affected. Understand and plan for the hazards that apply to you, and keep monitoring local media for official instructions as they come in.

Be alert and ready for the unexpected. Have a support team — including your neighbours — who can help, consider your own needs and situation, prepare the items you'll need to take, listen to emergency and disaster warnings, and follow instructions from Emergency Services to evacuate.

Keep your emergency plan and emergency kit up to date, and make sure it's somewhere safe that you and your support team both know. Follow emergency apps or your local ABC Emergency Radio station — find your local station here.

Check your emergency plan and checklist, and put in anything else you need for your go-bag — including medications, assistive devices, and a change of clothes. Keep your support team up to date with any changes to your plans. Take some water with you. And don't forget your pet.

Keep in contact with your support team regularly, so you can evacuate early and they can get to you. Have their names on speed dial in your phone.

If you don't have a support team yet, that's what Street Mate is for — neighbours looking out for neighbours who might be missed in an emergency. See how Street Mate works.

Make sure you have transport to evacuate and leave early. Plan your transport with family or carers ahead of time, not in the moment.

Be ready to take action. Read your emergency plan again if fire or flood is near. Contact members of your support team — if they need to travel to you, get them to check access and the best, safest route to your home or work, and keep them informed of any changes in conditions.

Be prepared to evacuate: pack medicines and any other requirements for yourself or people in your care in your emergency kit, and have everything ready to go. If you have to leave your home, turn off the power, gas, and water, and lock the doors and windows. Keep a battery-operated radio and/or a charged phone or computer with you so you can listen to and follow official directions.

Listen for emergency warnings on radio or television, and follow instructions from police and emergency personnel. Stay calm, be patient, and think before you act. Regularly check the NSW SES and NSW Bush Fire Services websites for the latest hazard and safety advice.