To The POINT
With
Graham Mitchell

Be prepared for storms and help the local SES

IN NOVEMBER Brisbane was hit with such a severe storm that Queensland’s emergency services asked other states for help and several members from Hunters Hill SES unit were deployed to assist in the clean up.

Hunters Hill members also helped out in October last year when storms devastated the Richmond/Tweed areas.
Australia’s most costly storm event, in terms of insured losses, was the hailstorm of April 1999. This caused $1.7 billion in insured damage to private property and public infrastructure.

Storms are more common in NSW during October to the end of April, but it is important to stay prepared all year round.

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THE NUMBER of calls to the SES and insurance claims can be reduced by up to two-thirds if people conduct basic housekeeping around their home or business prior to a storm.

Things you can do now include:
* securing loose items from around the premises, yard or balcony; these can become dangerous missiles during storms;
* cleaning gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris frequently, at least twice a year;
* trimming overhanging branches;
* keeping the yard or balcony free from clutter;
* making sure your roof is in good repair.

* * *

WHEN A storm warning is broadcast:
* listen to your local radio station for information and advice;
* bring children and pets indoors;
* stay well clear of windows;
* park your vehicle under cover or away from trees;
* put your family emergency kit where you can find it easily.

If you need help from the SES after a storm, phone 132500 from your home phone. If your home phone is not working, call 132500 from your mobile phone and enter your post code and you will be connected to you local SES unit. For life-threatening emergencies, always phone 000 immediately.

* * *

SOME BASIC measures you can take now include keeping a list of emergency numbers near the telephone and assembling an emergency kit.

Your emergency kit should contain at all times:
* a portable radio with spare batteries;
* a torch with spare batteries;
* a first aid kit with supplies necessary for your household;
* candles and waterproof matches;
* a waterproof bag for valuables;
* important papers, including emergency contact numbers;
* copies of any household emergency plans.

If evacuation is likely or required, place in your emergency kit:
* a good supply of required medication;
* any special requirements for babies and the disabled, infirmed or elderly;
* strong shoes;
* fresh food and drinks.

* * *

AFTER THE storm:
* keep listening to your local radio station for information and advice;
* check your premises for damage;
* stay well clear of creeks and drains, fallen trees and power lines and damaged structures;
* if you don’t need help yourself, check with your neighbours and make sure they are OK;
* do not go sightseeing.

If you need help from the SES phone 132500 from your home phone and you will be connected straight to your local unit headquarters. SES volunteers can make temporary repairs to storm damaged property. You will need to arrange professional tradesmen to repair windows and damaged structures.

* * *

THE HUNTERS Hill unit consists of about 40 women and men volunteers. We train every Monday night at our headquarters in the grounds of the Gladesville Hospital behind the Police Station in Punt Road. Although partially funded by State and Local Government, we rely heavily on donations from the community.

If you would like to come and see what we do and are interested in joining the SES, contact us on 132500 from your home phone, or 9879 4503 from your mobile.

We will be helping at the Australia Day celebration on January 26 at Clarkes Point. We would be glad to answer any of your questions and show you the vehicles and the equipment we use.

* GRAHAM MITCHELL is Liaison Officer for Hunters Hill SES

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