By Shelby Brooks
Despite the storm being labelled a “freak weather event”, Emerald SES unit controller Ben Owen is urging the community to be prepared this winter season.
“Last year was a freak weather event which could happen again, but it’s not going to be an annual thing,” Mr Owen said.
“I think the key thing is for people to plan that they may not have power and may not have telecommunications.
“If they can plan for the worse and hope for the best that’s important.”
Mr Owen is recommending for everyone to have an emergency kit ready to go, filled with things like scripts, batteries and pet food.
“Also charging up your rechargeable batteries and if you have a generator, make sure it’s serviced and ready to run and you know how to run it in a safe place not under the house.”
Last year, emergency services and the community struggled to deal with communication during the storm.
“We’re putting plans in placed based on last year when telecommunications, internet and data went down and working out how we can respond in that situation,” Mr Owen said.
“But this year we’ve got to plan for our normal storms which could mean you could lose power for a couple of days, you could have your main arterial blocked with a tree on the road or you could get a few houses damaged or destroyed by a tree.”
Emerald’s SES volunteers have been training in preparation for this year’s winter season and ensuring vehicles and equipment are ready should another severe weather event occur, Mr Owen said.
“We’re always looking for funds, we’ve got a Give Now page if people want to make a financial contribution,” he said.
“We’re looking for new volunteers all the time. We always need more daytime responders and people who can do afternoons, evenings and weekends.
“For people who aren’t up for getting on a truck, that’s fine, we’re always looking for admin like roles or even people who may be happy to cook a meal when we’re busy.”
You can donate at givenow.com.au/emeraldses
