Volunteers from the Blue Mountains SES Unit are gearing up for a busy summer storm season, having already attended 100 calls for help in the last month as winds have caused damage across the region.
"As the weather warms, so does the likelihood of these summer storms which may lead to flash flooding and often damage caused by hailstorms," said Blue Mountains SES Unit manager, Inspector John Hughes.
"What we have experienced in summer in the Blue Mountains in recent years, by 1pm it might be a hot, sunny day and by 3pm we have torrential rain with strong winds causing extensive damage. This weather pattern often occurs from October until March each year."
Inspector Hughes said preparation for storm season is similar to preparing your property for bushfires.
"Remove any trees or limbs that maybe too close to your home as foliage can be a bushfire risk as much as being a risk to damage your home during a storm," he said.
"Keep your gutters clear - whilst leaf litter maybe a bushfire risk, it also blocks drains during heavy rain, which may lead to damage to ceilings and walls as water diverts from blocked drains."
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said communities need to take preparing for storms and floods seriously.
"The more you can do now to prepare, the less likely you'll end up needing emergency assistance from our volunteers when these weather events hit," Commissioner York said.
"Our website has everything you could possibly need to learn about your risk of floods and the dangers they bring. It also highlights the simple, yet effective, things you can do ahead of time.
"From preparing an emergency evacuation kit, making sure your gutters and downpipes are clear, to planning for your animals, you can find all this information and more via ses.nsw.gov.au," she said.
For more information about this upcoming storm season, visit ses.nsw.gov.au. To find out the latest weather warnings and forecasts, visit the Bureau of Meteorology's website bom.gov.au.
