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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

Public Health Advice - Beware risks of flood water
Published: 01 Mar 2022

The North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding people to avoid contact with floodwater as much as possible to reduce the risks of injury, sickness or infection.

Following widespread flooding and evacuations across many towns in Northern NSW, residents should treat all floodwater as contaminated.

“Floodwaters can contain many pollutants that are harmful to your health,” Dr Paul Douglas, Director North Coast Public Health Unit said.

“We’re urging residents to take precautions if they come into contact with floodwater, as it can contain hazardous substances, including raw sewage, chemicals and other contaminants which can easily make you sick or lead to infections such as leptospirosis.”

“Should you need to clean up, please remember to wear safety equipment including boots, gloves and eye protection and wash your hands thoroughly.”

Boil water alerts have been issued for a number of locations, and these should be strictly observed to prevent illness. Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this.

If you rely on tank water, please be aware of the potential for contamination from polluted flood water and have your water tested and treated if necessary. If in doubt, use alternative clean water until it is confirmed safe to use.

“Dispose of all food, including frozen food, that has come into contact with flood waters. Some canned food may be kept but if the can is dented or damaged it should be thrown away. If in doubt, throw it out,” Dr Douglas said.

“If power is cut for more than four hours, food in fridges will spoil. Freezers will generally not defrost and the food kept inside should not spoil for at least 24 hours if the door has been kept shut."

Where houses have been flooded, please look out for dangers including contaminated medicines, unsafe electrical appliances, and damaged structures.

Find more advice on staying healthy during and after floods and storms, including printable fact sheets, visit the NSW Health website.

If you need emergency assistance in a flood or storm, call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.  For a medical, police or fire emergency call Triple Zero (000).