The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) is encouraging Canberrans to prepare their homes for potential storms, forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), before going away on holidays.
The ESA said that if people didn’t prepare their homes for storms, the risk of damage to the property increased.
“In the worst storms, ESA unfortunately cannot attend to every request for assistance immediately,” the Agency said.
“Help us help you, by being prepared.”
ESA said storms were more common in the ACT during the main period of increased storm activity from September to the end of February, but it was important for people to be prepared all year round.
“Severe storms can cause major damage,” it said.
“They may be accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, large hailstones and lightning, which can cause flash flooding, unroof buildings and damage trees or power lines.”
It said Australia’s greatest costs, in terms of insured losses, were caused by storms.
The Agency advised people to ensure their backyard or balcony was well maintained; clean their gutters; trim branches; fix roof damage; check their insurance; prepare an emergency plan and kit; and keep up to date through local radio and media outlets.
Further information from the ESA on how to prepare a property for storms can be accessed at this PS News link.
