SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

“Together we can; Together we will”

28/07/2011 – More storms for Perth and South West

A storm with winds of up to 125km/h tore roofs from homes, flattened fences and broke windows across Perth – with more bad weather expected today (Thursday).    The SES reported that its volunteers had received 43 calls over night for help from areas as far apart Girrawheen and Waroona, including a block of units in Harrison Street, Rockingham, that lost its roof. 

The majority of calls were related to water coming in to houses, roof damage and flash flooding.  In Waroona, 112km south of Perth, strong gusty winds resulted in fences, trees and power lines being blown down and many residents reporting roof damage.  SES crews from Waroona, Bunbury and Murray are working to temporarily repair the damage while crews from Mandurah and Collie will provide assistance at first light.  South Western Highway in Waroona is closed due to debris and downed power lines.

Most other call outs were to homes in the Rockingham/Kwinana area, but affected suburbs included Rockingham, Orelia, Baldivis, Waikiki, Medina and Cooloongup, as well as Wilson, Hillman, Maida Vale, High Wycombe, Bicton, Mosman Park, Clarkson, Girrawheen and Currambine.  Many homes sustained damage caused by water leaking in from roofs. Some householders also reported broken windows and fences blown over.

More bad weather is expected this today, with SES warning that residents between Jurien Bay and Bremer Bay you should take action and stay safe, as a deep low passes to the south of WA.

WHAT TO DO IN A STORM:

The SES has these tips to help you and your family stay safe:

  • Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows
  • If caught outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams
  • 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
  • Campers should find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams
  • Boat owners should securely moor their boats.

If driving:

  • Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers
  • 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 do not drive into water of unknown depth and current
  • If you are in the country be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged
  • Due to the expected bad weather tomorrow (Thursday) morning, people should take extra care when dropping children off at school

 IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

  • If the storm has caused damage to your home call the SES on 132 500
  • In a life threatening situation call 000
  • For information about road conditions contact Main Roads WA on 138 138
  • To report downed power lines call Western Power on 13 13 51
  • For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213
  • For advice on damaged asbestos contact your insurance company, local government environmental health officer or Department of Health on 9388 4999 or after hours on 9328 0553

 

 

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