By Tanya Steele
Storm work recovery continues across Victoria and the SES in Knox have reported massive and ongoing devastation in their local area.
The recent storm that wiped out power across the state on Tuesday 13 of February has left behind a trail of destruction, with volunteers still responding to calls for help in the community.
Deputy Controller of Training from the SES Knox unit, Trudi Pratt said it was pretty evident very quickly, that there were some pretty extreme issues with what she described as a micro storm’ that went through the area last week.
“It’s caused a lot of devastation and destruction around the area – as of 16 February on Friday, we’ve had over 380 jobs and requests for assistance that were attended to,” she said
“The worst impacted areas that we had – and it was almost instantaneous, was Ferntree Gully and Knoxfield followed by Rowville.”
“Mainly, it was trees that were basically snapped halfway up the trunk and thrown into buildings onto roads, or split, with the ferocity of that wind that came through,”
Ms Pratt said at the height of the storm the pager had a huge amount of calls going through.
“So on the first evening, we had about 175 callouts,” she said.
“They just kept coming through over the night and the next 48 hours.”
As the week wore on, SES Knox was further supported by other SES units and several CFA along with Forest Fire Management Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria.
Many volunteers who had damage to their properties and who were without power have continued to respond to calls for assistance to support the community.
The VICSES CEO Greg Leach visited both SES units in both greater Dandenong and Knox on Monday 19 February to thank the volunteers for their efforts.
VICSES has now responded to nearly 6,000 requests for assistance since the severe storms hit last Tuesday.
The VICSES Knox Unit has responded to around 350 calls for help in that period, particularly in hard hit areas around Ferntree Gully and Knoxfield and Mr Leach said it was a pleasure to be able to drop into the Knox Unit and thank our volunteers first-hand.
“Many SES volunteers were responding to requests for assistance over several days, so we certainly appreciate their hard work and commitment along with our partner agencies,” he said.
Ms Pratt said that the Knox unit is looking at another spike day on Thursday February with the potential of some weather issues.
“We’re making sure crews are adequately rested and that anyone available can come and assist us,” she said.
“What concerns me is the nature strip trees and the little parks that have branches hanging or have snapped branches.”
The SES have many resources available online for storm preparedness. Some easy tips to increase the safety of your property before a storm hits include keeping trees and branches away from your home, parking undercover, keeping gutters, downpipes and drains clean, securing outdoor furniture and trampolines and preparing an emergency kit.
During a storm, the community is advised to stay indoors and away from windows, avoid travel if possible and have essential supplies to last for at least three to five days, including food, drinking water, medications and pet food.
Monitor weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through the VicEmergency app, website and hotline (1800 226 226) and by listening to emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, designated commercial radio and TV news stations.
“Make sure you have everything ready and charged,” Ms Pratt said
