Marian Grove Village WHS Committee
Safety & Wellbeing Spotlight Topic November: Seasonal Preparation
Get Ready for Storm Season with the following steps.
This Storm Season, NSW SES need you to be aware and prepared for storms.
While storms can happen at any time of the year, between October and March, NSW sees increased chances of strong winds and heavy rain, which risks floods and flash floods.
This year, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast that this Storm Season will be wetter than average. Unfortunately, this means we will see more instances of heavy rain and the very real risk of riverine and flash flooding.
NSW SES volunteers are always ready and willing to assist local communities through storms and floods. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the time to prepare to protect your family, animals, household and property. So, are you ready for Storm Season?
Together it's simple to Get Ready for Storm Season.
Do the 8 tips to prepare for storms
Create your Home Emergency Plan and share the plan with your family.
1. 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 some research to find out if severe storms have impacted where you live, work and visit.
Find out about Storms and Severe Weather Hazards and Types
2. Plan now
You can put together an Emergency Plan for your home and/or business.
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.
Check out other resources here to help, NSW Government Get Ready Business Booklet
3. Get your home ready
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
Pets and other animals are important members of the family or household. Make sure your pets and animals are ready for Storm Season and visit Get Ready Animals
4. Be aware
Know the warning signs for severe weather.
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
· Rapid changes in temperatures
You can learn more about the kinds of warnings issued here Know your warnings
5. Look out for each other
We may be in a situation where we care for children, elderly, people with different abilities or people from different language backgrounds. It is important to ensure we share the Get Ready message with everyone.
It could be as simple as helping a neighbour with trimming their trees or sitting down with extended family to do an Emergency Plan
Australians are known for mateship and helping each other during a crisis. Looking out for each other before severe weather means we can respond and recover better as a community.