News

Reduce risk during storms

WHILE the rain has been pouring down around Sydney, just a few calls for help have trickled in for volunteers at both the Canterbury and Bankstown State Emergency Service (SES) Units.

From Sunday to Tuesday, 47mm of rain was recorded in gauges at Canterbury Racecourse and nearly 50mm at Bankstown Airport, and both SES units have responded to about a dozen calls for assistance since Sunday, mostly for leaking roofs and windows.
While they haven’t had to perform any local flood rescues so far, Canterbury SES Commander Lenore Nelson warned against complacency and urged people never to enter floodwaters for any reason, including overflowing drains and roadways.
“You just know what’s under the surface of the water, and it may be moving faster than it appears,” she said.
“If it’s flooded, forget it. Find another way around, and don’t put your life at risk.”
Bankstown SES unit commander David Niven also urged residents to move vehicles undercover and away from trees and to secure loose items around their home, including anything sitting on balconies and to ensure gutters, down pipes and drains are kept cleared.
If you need emergency assistance in a storm or flood, call 132 500, or if the situation is life-threatening call Triple Zero (000) immediately.