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General News

16 October, 2023

Be ready for adverse spring weather, VICSES warn

After enjoying some warmer weather, the region has been hit with a few downpours and it could be a hint of things to come, with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) urging everyone to prepare and plan for a warmer and windier spring. While...

By Maryborough Advertiser

Be ready for adverse spring weather, VICSES warn - feature photo

After enjoying some warmer weather, the region has been hit with a few downpours and it could be a hint of things to come, with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) urging everyone to prepare and plan for a warmer and windier spring.

While it’s important to prepare your property for the upcoming fire season, SES also warns it’s vital to be ready for adverse weather with predicted warmer and drier than average conditions, as well as storms, strong winds and lightning that can lead to property damage and power outages.

Flooding caused major havoc around the region last October and November, and although similar events have not been predicted for this year, spring is traditionally Victoria’s most high-risk storm season, bringing with it unstable weather patterns according to VICSES.

“While the climate outlook indicates an average season for storm and flood, it’s important communities remain vigilant and prepare for all emergencies,” Mr Wiebusch said.

“We know that spring can often see East Coast Lows develop and thunderstorms throughout the summer months that can bring isolated heavy rainfall and damaging winds.

“Don’t wait for the emergency to have a plan. It is vital to know your risk and to have a robust plan in place for storms, flash flooding along with potential bushfires.”

Tips to prepare for power outages and emergency scenarios include:

• Have a back-up plan ready if you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for babies, people with a disability, elderly or pets.
• Have plenty of water available if your supply relies on power.
• Download the VicEmergency app and keep emergency phone numbers handy.
• Know how to connect computers and tablets to your mobile phone’s hotspot.
• Know how to open electric garage doors and gates manually.
• Have a plan incase of a power outage including charging mobile phones, laptops, and portable back-up batteries, keep battery-powered lamps or torches handy, and have a battery-powered radio available for real time news updates.
• Check if your rooftop solar system is able to operate in a power outage, or if you plan to use a diesel generator make sure it’s fully fuelled, operational and that you know how to safely operate it.

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