Emergency services have answered more than 61 calls for help, since yesterday afternoon after the storm hit the Perth Metropolitan, South West and Wheatbelt.
A Department of Fire and Emergency (DFES) statement said the majority of calls for assistance had come from Perth, Busselton, Bunbury and the Wheatbelt.
The DFES take action warning now cuts off between Wundowie and Bakers Hill with the worst of the weather no longer reaching Northam.
THE CURRENT WARNING:
DFES has advised residents to take action with dangerous weather coming, in parts of Perth, South West, Lower South West and the Great Southern.
“Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Merredin, Moora, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Northam and Perth,” the statement said.
“This weather is not unusual for this time of year, but could damage homes and make travel dangerous.”
DFES said State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers respond on a priority basis and people are asked to remain patient.
WHAT TO DO:
- If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
- Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
- Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
- If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
- If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
IF DRIVING:
- Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
- Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
- Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
- If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
- Take care in areas that have been flooded and be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
- People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves, if it is safe to do so, before calling the SES for assistance
WHAT TO DO:
When dangerous weather has passed, DFES advises you to:
- Keep away from flooded drains, rivers,streams and waterways.
- Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
- Keep clear of fallen powerlines, they are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
- Assess your home, car and property for damage.
- Check to see if your neighbour needs help.
- If damage has occurred, take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
If your home has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
- Some roads may be closed
- Take extra care on the roads and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or your local Shire.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE:
- If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500
- In a life threatening situation call 000.
After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes or cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: https://facebook.com/dfeswa/, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or listen to news bulletins.
