MLC encourages WA home owners to be storm ready

4 May 2010

This week is 2010 Storm Awareness week and Hon Nick Goiran MLC, Member for the South Metropolitan Region is encouraging residents to commence preparing their homes for the start of storm season, “with all of the nice weather we have been having, it is hard to imagine that winter is just around the corner – the recent hailstorm in March is proof that we need to be practical and prepared.”

At the launch of Storm Awareness week, Emergency Services Minister, Mr Rob Johnson said homes in metropolitan areas that still needed repairs due to the March hailstorm were more vulnerable and could be damaged further when the bad weather started. “The hailstorm in March caused hundreds of millions of dollars damage to thousands of cars and homes, and injured three people. While it was a freak warm weather storm that occurred out of the normal season, it highlights just how much damage storms can cause and how dangerous they can be.”

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority’s (FESA) State Emergency Service volunteers and emergency services personnel responded to more than 3,000 calls for help during the March storm, with Coastal areas more vulnerable to major damage.

To prepare for this year’s storm season, residents should:

• check roofs and gutters for damage and clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain
• trim branches around the home to prevent them falling on cars and hire a contractor to clear trees from powerlines
• store or weigh down loose objects around the home, such as outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury
• prepare an emergency kit with portable battery-operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
• organise an emergency plan, including a relocation plan for family members and pets in case the home becomes flooded, and know how to turn off the gas, electricity and water supplies. 

More information about what to do before, during and after a storm is available on the FESA website http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au