Media Release

The NSW State Emergency Service and NRMA Insurance are urging people to be prepared for more severe storms this season. While the season’s outlook is tending to drier conditions, the chance of severe storms that can bring flash flooding, strong winds and hail are still likely. The dangers of flash flooding in a storm have been demonstrated with a flood rescue simulation at Penrith Whitewater Stadium for the official launch of StormSafe Week 24-30 September.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher said everyone should be ready for severe weather this season.

“Severe storms and flash flooding were a significant feature last summer, resulting in major damage to property and placing lives at risk,” Minister Gallacher said.

“StormSafe Week is an important week to highlight the necessity of preparing and knowing what to do before, during and after a storm,” he said.

NSW SES Commissioner, Murray Kear, said people are often caught off-guard by severe storms which can pose a serious risk to people’s safety.

“Storms can happen quickly and can be extremely dangerous bringing damaging winds, hail and even flash flooding. In the past 12 months the NSW SES has carried out 400 flood rescues, many of which involved people trapped in their cars by flash floods,” Commissioner Kear explained.

“Being aware of the weather and staying away from areas that are prone to flash flooding will mean you’re not putting yourself in a dangerous situation. It will also ensure you’re not risking the lives of our volunteers who have to come out and rescue you,” he added.

With the official storm season about to start, the NSW SES and NRMA Insurance are joining forces to help people get ready for severe weather.

NRMA Insurance Community and Sustainability Manager, Megan Lupton also urged residents to stay away from floodwater and stressed that preparation is the key to weathering the storm season safely.

“NRMA Insurance* research shows that although 80 per cent of Sydney respondents know that it can be life-threatening for NSW SES volunteers to rescue people from flooded areas, almost 40 per cent have intentionally entered floodwater,” said Ms Lupton.

The findings** also show that Sydneysiders still have some work to do in preparing their homes.

 “More than half of home claims are storm-related and much of this damage can be avoided through maintenance,” said Ms Lupton. “While it can seem like the worst of chores, it can save a lot of the heartache that comes with water damage.”

“Half of Sydney residents have never checked to see if their roof was in good condition, or can’t even recall the last time they looked,” Ms Lupton said.

Some basic steps people can follow to prepare for the storm season include:

• Clean gutters and downpipes every six months
• Check that your roof is in good repair once a year
• Make sure your insurance is up-to-date
• Secure or put away loose items around the yard or balcony
• Trim overhanging tree branches
• Prepare your Emergency Kit
• Visit stormsafe.com.au for further information and tips

Learn more about being StormSafe .

For more information or interviews please contact NSW SES media: (02) 4225 7500

For interviews with NRMA Insurance please contact:

Mariana Cidade

0411 011 857

*Research conducted by PureProfile in July 2012 among 389 NSW residents

**NRMA Insurance NSW home claims data FY10/11 – FY11/12