Time to prepare homes and businesses for stormy weather

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is encouraging communities to tidy up their properties to minimise damage with storm season around the corner.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a series of cold fronts in the next week, with strong winds and areas of heavy rain likely in the south of the State on Monday night and again later in the week.

State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers responded to 1395 calls for assistance between April and October last year, the majority for storm damage to businesses and homes. Most of the calls were for volunteers to help with roof and structural damage, fallen trees and water ingress.

Some of the damage could have been avoided if property owners had taken the time to prepare for the stormy weather.

DFES Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters AFSM said some simple measures now could save property owners a hefty repair bill – and ease the demand on diligent SES crews who battle the elements to answer calls for assistance.

“Don’t get caught off guard when the weather turns,” said Deputy Commissioner Waters. “If household and business owners haven’t done so, use this weekend to take the few simple steps to get your properties ready for the severe weather.

“Make sure gutters are clear so excess water doesn’t flow inside. And trim loose branches so they aren’t at risk of damaging your home in the strong winds.

“Also secure trampolines, outdoor tables and chairs and rubbish bins, all of which have the potential to become dangerous airborne missiles in a storm.”

Deputy Commissioner Waters encouraged communities to download the Emergency WA app and set watch zones for their area so they can keep up to date with the latest information during severe weather.

“Setting watch zones is the most effective way to receive alerts and warnings about severe weather, with the ability to choose up to 10 locations including home, school and work,” he said.

Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Gianni Colangelo said the South West of WA typically experiences four to six cold fronts each month through the cool season (April to October), with around one to two severe cold fronts each month.

“South West WA, including the metropolitan area, could see the first severe cold front of the season as early as next week as well as a series of other fronts, which is a timely reminder of the change in season and the hazards that can follow.” Mr Colangelo said.

"Severe cold fronts can bring a variety of extreme weather conditions including damaging wind gusts, heavy rain and flooding, high tides and dangerous surf conditions.

“South West WA receives an average of five tornado reports each year caused by passing cold fronts, including two that typically impact the Perth metropolitan area, and likely others that go unreported.

"Severe weather can disrupt and endanger lives in many ways, that is why the Bureau is asking the community to ‘know your weather, know your risk’.

“That means understanding the kinds of severe weather that can impact the area you live in and what you should do when it occurs.

"Check the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as these fronts draw near.”

More advice on how to prepare your home for severe weather can be found at www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/storm

Stay up to date with the latest storm warnings by visiting the Emergency WA website, calling 13 DFES, following DFES on social media and listening to local radio broadcasts.

Contact SES on 132 500 if your home is badly damaged by a storm and you can’t make it safe on your own. Calls are prioritised to assist those most in need first and non-urgent requests should be directed to insurance providers. Always call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies.