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Time to get ready for winter storms

Kate FieldingSouth Western Times
Bunbury SES volunteers Cory van Dijk, Kim Perks, Emma Ness and Beth Geerling along with search dog in training, Charlie, call on residents to be storm ready.
Camera IconBunbury SES volunteers Cory van Dijk, Kim Perks, Emma Ness and Beth Geerling along with search dog in training, Charlie, call on residents to be storm ready. Credit: Kate Fielding / South Western Times

Winter is coming and so is the very real risk of property damage and personal injury from wild weather, according to Bunbury City Council and the State Emergency Service.

Bunbury residents are being reminded to storm proof their properties in renewed calls to avoid the “preventable”.

Mayor Gary Brennan said every year severe storms and extreme winds wreaked havoc on homes and properties throughout the city.

“Bunbury residents can greatly reduce their risk of storm damage to the home by cleaning up their properties,” Mr Brennan said.

“The local SES unit reports that more than 80 per cent of the damage they attend to could have been avoided with simple home maintenance work.

Bunbury SES volunteers Cory van Dijk, Kim Perks, Emma Ness and Beth Geerling along with search dog in training, Charlie, call on residents to be storm ready.
Camera IconBunbury SES volunteers Cory van Dijk, Kim Perks, Emma Ness and Beth Geerling along with search dog in training, Charlie, call on residents to be storm ready. Credit: Kate Fielding / South Western Times

“It is also important to have an emergency-ready kit handy in the home.”

Residents are being encouraged to remove or secure items that may be lifted by strong winds and blown through windows or roof materials as well as lop trees and branches away from the roof line and windows.

Residents should also clean gutters of any material that may restrict rainwater flow to downpipes and have a torch and radio with spare batteries available in case of power cuts.

It comes as SES volunteers were yesterday celebrated and recognised for their work in the community during WOW Day.

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