Swan SES recommends you take action now to prepare your home and family for storms.
Severe storms impact the southern half of WA from May to October each year. The impact of storms is often underestimated, but they can be extremely dangerous and destructive with lightning, hail, flash flooding, gale force winds and even tornadoes. Dangerous storms are the most common natural hazard in Australia and can cause millions of dollars in damage and pose a threat to people and properties.
During May to October 2014 the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) responded to 91 storm-related incidents across Western Australia. State Emergency Service volunteers, along with career and volunteer fire services, attended more than 1163 requests for assistance which included roof damage, flooding and fallen trees. Volunteers contributed 3,225 hours of their own time to respond to people in need.
Planning and preparation is the key to staying safe and reducing damage to your property this storm season. There are a number of simple steps you can take to limit you risk of storm damage, including:
- Clear your gutters and downpipes of leaves and blockages.
- Check your roof for damaged tiles or loose nails.
- Trim tree branches around your home to prevent them falling on roofs or cars.
- Hire a contractor to trim trees that are unsafe or close to power lines
- Clear away rubbish and loose items from around your home.
- Prepare an emergency kit with a portable battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and a first aid kit.
After a storm has passed you should check your home and property for damage, and fix it what you can if it is safe to do so. If your home is badly damaged by a storm and you cannot fix it yourself, you can call the SES for assistance on 132 500. SES volunteers can help by making temporary emergency repairs to homes, and can assist with removing large fallen trees, sandbagging and pumping out flood water. Contact your insurer to organise permanent repairs.
For more information visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/WinterSAFE and download a copy of Preparing for Storms.