Released 01/09/2021
The ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) is encouraging the Canberra community to get storm and flood ready ahead of the 2021-22 wet weather season.
The 2021-22 Seasonal Outlook has predicted above average rainfall until the end of spring for the ACT, and with the storm season officially commencing on 1 September Canberrans are being asked to get their homes and their emergency plans ready for another wet summer.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said our ACTSES does an incredible job ensuring the safety of our community during times of storm, flood, and more recently supporting the response to COVID-19.
“Our ACTSES volunteers are adaptive, resilient and dedicated to helping vulnerable community members in their time of need, and I am very grateful for their commitment to keeping Canberra safe,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Now more than ever, we need to ensure we are storm and flood ready so we can help keep the ACTSES safe at home.
“As many have had to do during this COVID-19 outbreak, the ACTSES has adapted to ensure COVID-19 safe practices are in place and they can continue to help our community during times of need.
“Clean your gutters, trim overhanging branches and maintain your yard to ensure ACTSES do not need to visit your home to make temporary repairs."
ACTSES Chief Officer Anthony Draheim said last season our volunteers repeatedly responded to homes where residents had not undertaken the permanent repair of previous damage such as cracked tiles and damaged skylights.
“Our volunteers are here to undertake temporary home repairs needed during and after a storm or flood. It’s important that residents follow up with professionals to ensure the damage is permanently fixed,” Chief Officer Draheim said.
“If your home needs permanent repairs for leaking roofs, skylights or windows, or you have trees that need trimming, now is the time to get that work done.
“Your proactive action now can help limit the damage a storm or flood can do to your home which helps saves you time and money and keeps our volunteers at home more during these uncertain times.”
Information on how to prepare your home for storm and flood events, including how to prepare an Emergency Kit and an Emergency Survival Plan, is available on the ESA website.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases