With Summer School Holidays officially underway, the NSW State Emergency Services is urging holidaymakers to make safe and sensible decisions.

NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing says it was crucial for people to understand the risks, have an emergency plan and know where to find information during an emergency, adding that while the current outlook for the Christmas period is for settled weather conditions with sunny days, the risk of severe storms is ever present.

Commissioner Wassing advised travellers to download the Hazards Near Me app and set up watch zones for the locations they’re travelling to, saying travellers can set up watch zones very easily and be warned of any severe weather or flooding impacts, adding they should also check Live Traffic before driving to ensure they know the roads are open and passable.

Commissioner Wassing has urged motorists travelling to regions notorious for flooding to not place themselves and their family at risk and to turn around and find an alternative route. Never drive through flood waters.

For assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero if life threatening.