Stay up to date with our rolling coverage of the bushfire situation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The message from NSW Rural Fire Service is to leave early during the dangerous period of fires burning across the Mid North Coast.
Locations across the region have been classified as safe places to go, or as official evacuation centres.
NSW Rural Fire Service has also listed Neighbourhood Safer Places, as locations of last resort during a bush fire emergency.
Port Macquarie Racecourse, Settlement City Shopping Centre and Hibbard Ferry on Riverside Drive have been listed as safe zones.
These are to be used when all other options for the bush fire survival plan can't be put into action safely.
In the catastrophic fire conditions NSW clubs have opened to anyone seeking shelter.
The normal sign-in rules at clubs will not apply for the duration of the bushfire emergency.
Westport Club in Port Macquarie has officially been labelled as an evacuation centre, if required.
On Tuesday, November 12 a spokesperson from the club said staff were working with staff from the emergency operation centre and welfare coordinators to prepare and plan.
The club's function room has the capacity to host 200 people. However other spaces can be opened, if needed.
Evacuation centres:
Evacuation centres open Tuesday, November 12 are: Club Taree, Wauchope High School (Wauchope Showground for animals), Laurieton United Services Club, Kempsey Showground, Kempsey Macleay RSL Club, Grafton Community Centre, Nimbin Showground, Mullumbimby Ex Services Club, Cavanbah Centre Byron Bay.
People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
For a list of school closures on Tuesday, November 12 visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety
Safe places to go:
Members of the public from bushfire affected locations are welcome to congregate at NSW clubs during their hours of operation.
There are a number of NSW clubs across the region which can provide people with a safe place to rest, with drinks and food available.
Port Macquarie Panthers' Jamie Williams said there is a resting area equipped with comfortable chairs, pillows, tea, coffee and water.
"We're happy to take anyone in need," he said.
Clubs NSW chief executive officer Anthony Balliven said given the choice between preparing their homes for disaster or seeking shelter and safety, members of the public should know their local club is here with open arms.
"This is what clubs do in times of crisis, and residents should know that clubs are here to assist as this emergency continues to unfold," he said.
Clubs in Port Macquarie include Port Macquarie Panthers, Westport Club and Port City Bowling Club. Club North Haven and Laurieton United Services Club are also open in the Camden Haven.
For more information or to find a club near you please visit https://www.clubsnsw.com.au/
Meanwhile to find a Neighbourhood Safer Places near you visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/neighbourhood-safer-places
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.