Storm season brewing

Coffs Coast residents are being urged to make preparations ahead of the summer storm season.

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COASTAL communities in NSW are being urged to prepare for the impending storm season.

“With the warmer months on their way, people often forget about the dangers that can arise from heavy wind and rain,” said Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan at the launch of StormSafe Week.

“Unlike the threat posed by floods or bush fires, all properties can be at risk of storm damage.

“Storms cost the community around $220 million annually – more than any other natural disaster. StormSafe Week, from September 20-28, is there to remind people to get their families, homes and businesses ready for the storm season, which officially starts on October 1.”

NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear said the SES was well prepared to assist the community during the storm season.

“SES volunteers are regularly trained to help in an emergency, and have the vehicles and equipment needed to respond to calls for assistance from the public,” he said.

“Anyone who needs help with storm damage should call the SES on 132 500.

“Remember, in life-threatening emergencies, always ring triple-zero.”

Mr Whan paid tribute to the State’s SES volunteers for their tireless work protecting the

families in times of emergencies and natural disasters such as storms.

“Recently they’ve been working non-stop to help people suffering hardship caused by the Father’s Day windstorm that struck the Illawarra and South Coast, and flooding in the State’s far south.

“We owe each and every one of our volunteers a great debt of gratitude and I wish them all well for their safety throughout the coming storm season.”

StormSafe Week is a joint initiative of the SES and the Bureau of Meteorology.

For more information on storm safety and preparedness, call the SES on 1800 201 000 or visit the

SES website, www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

Simple steps to help minimise storm damage include:

•  Cleaning out leaves and other debris from gutters, downpipes and drains
•  Checking your roof is in good repair
•  Clearing up loose items from your yard and balcony, including garden tools, children’s toys and lightweight furniture
•  Where safe, trimming back overhanging tree branches
•  Preparing an emergency kit with food, water and medical supplies; a battery-powered radio, spare batteries, a torch and important documents and contact numbers.

Check out your local weather forecast here.