Prepare for storm season and plan ahead

The wet weather we have been experiencing is a timely reminder for people to prepare their properties for winter storms.

Each year the State Emergency Service encourages people to follow a series of simple guidelines to reduce the risk of danger to themselves and their homes.

Manjimup SES unit manager Michael Mackay-Blair said the volunteer service was able to make temporary repairs to a property to make the area safe but could not permanently fix storm damage.

Mr Mackay-Blair said one of the things people could do to reduce damage risk was to trim branches around the home to prevent them falling on roofs or cars.

“Clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain,” he said.

“Store or weigh down loose objects around the house or work, such as patio furniture that could be thrown around by strong winds and prepare an emergency kit with a battery-operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.”

Mr Mackay-Blair said it was important to have an emergency plan ready. The plan should include a relocation strategy for families and pets in case a house had to be evacuated.