{"id":198570,"date":"2017-12-20T12:39:46","date_gmt":"2017-12-20T02:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=198570"},"modified":"2020-09-22T14:51:25","modified_gmt":"2020-09-22T04:51:25","slug":"prepare-for-summer-storms-ses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2017\/12\/20\/prepare-for-summer-storms-ses\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare For Summer Storms: SES"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
A falling tree can cause major damage to a house … as this recent incident in Blackbutt demonstrates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

December 20, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

The State Emergency Service is urging residents to be storm savvy and finalise household preparations before severe weather strikes over summer.<\/p>\n

SES Acting Regional Manager Mark Kelly said taking a few simple preventative steps now could save people from storm-related stress later.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast storm season, the SES were called out to more than 800 jobs across the south-eastern region, with the majority of these relating to structural damage or fallen trees,\u201d Mr Kelly said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the summer months upon us, we\u2019re likely to see storm activity peak again so there\u2019s simply no room for complacency.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome simple things you can do now to get ready for storms include clearing gutters and downpipes; checking the roof for loose or broken tiles, trimming trees and removing overhanging branches, and securing loose items in the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s also vital to have an emergency kit and an emergency plan so you and your family know what to do during and after a severe weather event.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecord important details in your plan, such as emergency\u2013related phone numbers, details of electricity and other service providers, and contact details for relatives, friends and neighbours.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good idea to practice your emergency plan with everyone in your household, including pets, to make sure everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTake the time to stock up your emergency kit and make sure everyone knows what items are included and where they are kept.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr Kelly said it was also important to flood-proof properties as much as possible, as heavy rain often led to flooding in parts of the region.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaking action now will help you to better cope with flood emergencies and prevent you from being caught off guard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFloods can occur almost anywhere and can rise over days, or in minutes in a flash flood.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf flooding occurs, please heed the warnings. Check the status of roads before travelling and always stay out of floodwaters.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, if it\u2019s flooded, forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Residents who require storm and flood emergency assistance should call the SES on 13-25-00. In a life-threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000).<\/p>\n