Michaela Meade
Craigieburn’s State Emergency Services (SES) unit is urging residents to be better prepared for major storms, like the one that tore through the state earlier this month.
The Craigieburn SES unit responded to 45 callouts following the June 9 storm, and later sent some of its volunteers to Lilydale to assist with tree removal.
Unit training assessor Kevin O’Callaghan said a lot of the calls his unit responded to could have been prevented.
“House maintenance is critical,” he said.
“Prevention where possible is so important.”
Mr O’Callaghan urged residents to check their backyard for loose items and consider how they will stop them from blowing around in a storm.
“If a tree looks like it could fall, get it inspected,” he said.
“Even if it costs you a bit of money, it’s going to be far cheaper than losing a house.”
Mr O’Callaghan said the SES recommended people store sandbags at their property, especially in flood territory, for blocking any flowback of sewerage in toilets, baths and other drains.
“It’s about trying to protect yourself from the effects of flooding, what it could do to the sewerage system,” he said.
For more tips on looking after yourself and your property in storm weather: www.facebook.com/CraigieburnSES
