STORMS |
Contents |
| Pre-season Checklist |
| Storm Action Plan |
| How Urgent is Your Call |
| Emergency Assistance Guide |
The storm season along the coastal regions of NSW is usually between October and April. During these months severe storms, often accompanied by hail, high winds and torrential rain, can strike an unsuspecting community with very little warning, threatening life and destroying homes and personal possessions. Whilst the greatest risk exists during this period, you should always remember that a severe storm can strike your area at almost any time during the year summer or winter.
2 List all phone numbers in the "emergency assistance guide" and put them in a safe place where all the family can find them. 3 Place the "storm action plan" in a safe and accessible place and be sure the whole family is aware of its location. 4 Ensure all members of your family are aware of what to do if your home is damaged, or you need emergency assistance during or following a severe storm.
PLEASE TAKE THEM NOW, IT WlLL BE TOO LATE WHEN THE STORM STRIKES! |
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The Pre-season Checklist |
PRE-STORM SEASON |
Trim tree branches well clear of your house Ensure you have a battery radio and torch
in working order. Ensure you have a first-aid kit. |
| WHEN THE STORM SEASON ARRIVES | Clear backyard of loose objects that could cause damage during high winds. Clean roof, guttering and downpipes. Purchase fresh torch and radio batteries. Check your first-aid kit. Familiarise your family with the "storm action plan". Purchase masking tape, plastic sheeting and large garbage bags (see below). |
| HANDY HINTS FOR YOUR PROTECTION | Plastic garbage bags are useful to keep clothing and valuable possessions dry. A roll of builder's plastic sheeting, some timber strips and nails can be useful for temporary roof and window repairs. Pre-cut plywood or Masonite sheets can be used to protect large windows and glass doors. Plastic sheeting can keep bedding, furniture and electrical equipment dry, should your roof and ceiling become damaged. Masking tape placed in a "cross fashion" can stop large areas of glass from shattering. Usually, the strongest parts of a house are the internal doorways, bathrooms or cellar. Shelter in these areas (during a severe storm) if your house begins to sustain damage. Blankets placed over a car can reduce hail damage. |
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Storm Action Plan |
BE SURE THE ENTIRE FAMILY UNDERSTANDS THIS ACTION PLAN |
| WHEN THE STORM IS APPROACHING | Keep your radio on and listen for warnings. Shelter and secure your pets and animals. Place vehicles under cover. Turn off all unnecessary electrical appliances. |
| WHEN THE STORM HITS | Stay inside and shelter in the strongest part of the house (see handy hints section). Keep clear of windows and large areas of glass. If necessary, cover yourself with a mattress, blanket, doona or tarpaulin. Listen to your battery radio for storm updates. Turn off all electrical appliances. Don't use the phone. lf outdoors find emergency shelter. If driving, pull over, park until the storm passes. Keep clear of stormwater drains. |
| AFTER THE STORM HAS PASSED | Check your house for damage. Listen to your radio for further warnings and reports of damage and disruption to services. If you need emergency assistance, consult your emergency assistance guide. If YOU don't need assistance, check on your neighbour's situation. Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and damaged trees. Don't go sightseeing, stay at home. Don't ignore official warnings and advice. Keep children away from flooded drains and culverts. |
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WHEN YOU CALL THE SES DURING AN EMERGENCY |
| Please assess the extent of the damage to your home and then determine the level of assistance you believe you require from the guide below. |
| IMMEDIATE | Due to a life threatening situation. |
| URGENT | To avoid further damage from wind and rain. |
| NON-URGENT | Superficial damage that does not require immediate attention. |
| Please think of the needs of others when assessing your own emergency situation. By doing this YOU'LL be helping those who have a greater need than you for emergency assistance. |
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Emergency Assistance Guide |
Who Do I call? |
When do I call? |
| This is a contact list of the various services to call if you require assistance during or following a severe storm. Enter the phone numbers now, don't wait until a storm strikes. Where listed, select the 24hr emergency number for each service. |
DON'T USE YOUR PHONE DURING THE STORM |
| For emergency assistance with house damage, call your nearest State Emergency Service Unit. Listed in the White Pages under S. |
| If your home is badly damaged and you need temporary accommodation, food and clothing, contact the State Emergency Service Unit.Listed in the White Pages under S. |
| For power failure or other electrical problems including fallen power lines, call your local Electricity Authority. Listed in the White Pages under E. |
| For all gas related emergencies contact your local Gas Company. See your phone directory. |
If your household water supply is damaged contact your nearest :- Water Board Depot Listed in the White Pages under W. Or Council. Listed in the White Pages under the name of the Council. |
| For Police, Fire or Medical Emergencies ... all of these services can be contacted by dialling the 000 number anywhere in NSW. |
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