24 October 2022

Police warn of no drone zone in flood-affected areas

| Shri Gayathirie Rajen
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Media and community advised of no-fly zone for drones in flood-affected areas. Photo: iStock/Mailfor.

The NSW Police Force is reminding the media and the community not to fly drones in the vicinity of flood-affected areas or over other emergency operations.

NSW Police said the current emergency situation is already dangerous for people, property and the environment, and police are reminding drone users that flying near an emergency can increase that danger.

“Flying a drone in these areas is a major safety risk to response teams both in the air and on the ground,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“While it may be tempting to put the drone up to take footage for news or your information, doing so could break the drone safety rules and impact operations and or rescue efforts.

“If you fly the emergency services can’t. You might be putting someone’s life on the line.”

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has extensive information about the use of drones and associated rules and regulations on its website.

Anyone found to be operating a drone in a way that is hazardous to other aircraft, can face a penalty of up to two years in prison and or a fine of up to $26,640 for an individual.

For the most up-to-date emergency flood information, visit SES and for weather updates Bureau of Meteorology

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