The storm season is looming for Weddin Shire and the NSW SES together with NRMA Insurance are urging residents to Get Ready to help reduce the amount of damage and injury caused in severe weather.
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NSW SES volunteers spent countless hours responding to around 20,000 emergency call-outs across the state during the last storm season – that’s up from 16,000 the previous year.
In the Lachlan and Weddin Shire area, volunteers responded to a large number of storm jobs last season.
“Most of the damage we saw was from trees as well as leaking and damaged roofs,” NSW SES Grenfell Controller David Sheehan said.
“Much of this damage was preventable so we’re asking people to prepare their homes and businesses now for the impending storm season.
“Some simple things you can do now to get ready for the storm season include trimming trees, cleaning gutters and downpipes and securing loose items around the yard or balcony.
“It’s also vital that people remember to stay out of floodwater .
“The official storm season runs from October to March but storms can happen at any time of the year so it’s important people are always prepared for severe weather.
“NRMA Insurance data shows that in a typical year around half of all home claims in NSW are due to storm damage and this figure can surge during a particularly severe storm season,” said Ramana James, Head of Shared Value for NRMA Insurance.
“While half (50 per cent) of all residents in NSW believe they are prepared for a severe storm, our research shows just 18 per cent have an emergency kit and less than a quarter (23 per cent) have an emergency plan in place.
“Our message to all residents is to take action now to prepare your home and business for storm season. It’s also important to make sure your insurance is up to date, to ensure you are prepared should severe weather strike,” Mr James concluded.
For emergency help in storms and floods call the NSW SES on 132 500. Dial Triple Zero (000) in life threatening situations. More storm safety tips are available at: www.ses.nsw.gov.au or www.nrma.com.au/ses.