The South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) is reminding people to be proactive and act right now to prepare for severe weather ahead of the coming winter season.
State Duty Officer for the SASES, Robert Charlton said preparing for extreme weather could greatly minimise the impact on communities and individuals.
“Our climate is changing and extreme weather events such as floods and storms are increasing in frequency and severity,’’ Mr Charlton said.
“Nobody wants to see water running down their walls inside their house or be without power because a tree or branch has fallen through their roof,” he said.
“The SA State Emergency Service will always be available to help the community in times of emergency, but prevention is always better than cure.
“We are asking the people of South Australia to work with us to better understand what they can do before an extreme weather event strikes.’’
Mr Charlton said developing an emergency plan with house members was an important first step.
“People should be asking themselves do they know what to do if a flood or storm warning is issued, or where to go for safety and how to get there,’’ he said.
The SASES advised the following to get ready for winter:
* Trim trees or branches that overhang buildings;
* Check your insurance policy is current and adequate;
* Inspect and fix any damage to your roof; check your gutters, downpipes and drains are clear;
*Put together an emergency kit;
* Ask your local council if your area is prone to flooding;
* Monitor the local conditions by following emergency services or Bureau of Meteorology social media;
* Call 132 500 if you need SASES assistance, Call Triple Zero (000) if the matter is life threatening; and
* Check the State Emergency Service of South Australia website for further advice on how to prepare for severe weather.
The State Emergency Service of South Australia can be accessed at this PS News link.
