Storms & Floods
Storms more often than not cause no damage but occasionally they can have strong winds and heavy rain which do.
In southern WA where the Shire of Gingin is located, storms are generally experienced between May and October although summer storms can and do occur. A storm may cause widespread or localised damage which may affect homes, assets and businesses. They can also pose a threat to people, animals and the natural environment such as erosion to the Shire's extensive coastline.
It is advisable to plan in advance to prepare your property and protect your family from storm damage. Given the modern day smart phone, most of us have access to reliable weather forecasting at any time and the media also tends to give us plenty of advance warning. This means we can be prepared prior to a storm impacting our region.
To keep informed about the latest weather information there are a few options:
Visit Bureau of Meterology / call 1300 659 210 and select Option 5
Visit Emergency WA (live updates for fires, storms, cyclones, floods, etc.)
Download a weather app on your smart phone such as Weather Zone
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is the Hazard Management Authority for storm and floods and are therefore responsible for managing storm and flood related emergencies.
For more information about preparing for storms, visit the DFES website.
When to Call the State Emergency Service (SES)
The SES contact number is 132 500.
The SES will assist with:
- Significant structural damage like collapsed roofs or ceilings
- Making temporary emergency repairs to homes and buildings
- Removing fallen trees that have damaged homes and cars
- Sandbagging areas in danger of flooding
- Pumping out flood water
- Rescuing trapped or injured people and helping people relocate them if they are in danger
The SES will NOT assist with:
- Clearing debris and organising permanent repairs
- Attending to broken fences, trees that have fallen on fences or debris around your property or in your pool
- Basic repairs that you can manage yourself
Enquiries
For further information contact the Shire's Community Emergency Services Manager on 0408 943 576.