Do your bit to get storm fit.
That is the message NSW SES has recently posted to its Facebook page to spread awareness about being prepared.
Storm season has officially begun and, as last week showed us, storms can happen anytime.
In NSW, there are increased chances of strong winds and heavy rain between October and March in particular.
This can bring flash flooding and cause damage to homes and properties.
Volunteers from the NSW SES are always ready and willing to assist local communities through storms and floods.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the time to prepare to protect your family, animals, household and property.
So, are you ready?
• Create your home/business emergency plan and share the plan with your family.
• Know your risk. Storms can happen anywhere and at any time of the year. Some areas experience storms more frequently, your area may have a history of severe storms.
• Do research to find out if severe storms have impacted where you live, work and visit.
One of the most important things to do is to plan now for possible severe weather, so that you know what to do in the event of a severe storm.
Chat with your family, household, friends and neighbours about your emergency plan.
Practice your emergency plan and update it when things change, and get your home ready to help reduce damage caused by severe storms.
Prepare your home by doing these simple tasks: Maintain your yard and balcony; clean your gutters, downpipes and drains; trim trees and branches; keep your roof in good condition; check your insurance policy; make an Emergency Plan; prepare an Emergency Kit (grab-and-go bag); listen to your local radio station for weather warnings.
You should also make sure your pets and animals are ready for storm season.
The Bureau of Meteorology and the NSW SES will issue different kinds of warnings for severe weather through multiple ways, including on their websites and social media.
There are also natural signs of severe weather you can look out for including: gathering storm clouds; darkening skies; increasing winds and rapid changes in temperatures.
For further advice from the NSW SES on how to be storm safe, go to http://bit.ly/2m2Ny7y.