Residents across Whittlesea and Hume are urged to prepare and take extra care during predicted heavy rainfall, potential floods and damaging winds this week.
Craigieburn State Emergency Services (SES) unit manager Kevin O’Callaghan says residents should prepare prior to the storm’s peak and can do so by obtaining sandbags and clearing storm gutters in advance.
Sandbags can be picked up from local hardware stores or residents can contact the SES to arrange.
Mr O’Callaghan urged drivers not to drive through flood waters as a car can be swept off the road in 10 to 15 centimetres of water.
He said since flood water is brown, drivers are unable to see what’s underneath it and part of the road below the water could be severely damaged or collapsed, making it extremely dangerous for drivers.
The SES will be prioritising jobs depending on urgency during these weather events.
Mr O’Callaghan asks residents to check on elderly and potentially isolated neighbours if able to do so.
“Do the best you can and if you need sandbags or are unsure, ring us, page us, go through the storm number and take it from there,” he said.
Residents who require emergency assistance in storms or floods can contact SES on 132 500. If an emergency is life threatening contact Triple-0.
