SES responds as storm hits Perth and surrounding areas
The SES has answered around 100 calls for help after a storm hit the Perth region and surrounding areas today. Multiple reports of damage has been reported across the metropolitan areas with Wanneroo, Stirling and the Perth CBD worst hit. Avon Vale Primary School has received significant structural damage. The school will be closed tomorrow. Samson Primary School has sustained damage to the roof of an undercover area, contractors are on site securing the roof.
Reports of significant roof damage have also been received from Terrace Hotel on St Georges Terrace and Beatty Park Aquatic Centre.
WHAT TO DO:
State Emergency Service (SES) has these tips to help you and your family stay safe:
- Be careful of fallen trees, debris and damaged buildings
- Keep clear of fallen powerlines, they are dangerous and should always be treated as live
- Check on friends and neighbours to see if they need help
- Start cleaning up around your home, stack loose material such as branches and debris away from water meters, valves and telephone lines
- If asbestos has been damaged on your property you should seek professional advice before attempting any repairs or clean up because it could be dangerous
If your home has major damage such as a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500
Contact your insurance company or property manager to organise permanent repairs.
The number of calls for help is likely to increase as people return home this afternoon. SES volunteers respond on a priority basis and people are asked to remain patient. People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves, if it is safe to do so, before calling the SES for assistance.
More bad weather coming between Jurien Bay, Northam and Hopetoun
If you live between Jurien Bay, Northam and Hopetoun you should take action and stay safe with more bad weather to come.
This includes people in Jurien Bay, Perth Metropolitan area, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Northam, York, Narrogin, Katanning, Albany and Hopetoun and surrounding areas.
This is an unusual weather that could cause major damage to homes and make travel very dangerous.
WHAT TO DO:
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.
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
Be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC LIGHT OUTAGES:
St Georges Terrace has been closed between Mill Street and Milligan Street due to roof damage at the Terrace Hotel.
Other roads may be closed due to fallen trees, debris and localised flooding. Several traffic lights are blacked out throughout the Perth metropolitan area.
Further clarification should be sought from WA Police or Main Roads WA on 138 138.
Motorists should drive with caution and expect delays until normal traffic conditions are restored.
STORM DETAILS:
As at 2.01pm on 28 November 2012 the Bureau of Meteorology advises a deep low pressure system is currently affecting the southwest of the state.
The bad weather is expected to ease overnight.
WHAT SES VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING:
Eighty SES volunteers from units throughout Perth are attending to major structural damage, making temporary repairs to homes, fixing minor roof damage, removing fallen trees from homes and cars.
SES volunteers have been supported by career Fire and Rescue Service firefighters.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
If your home has been badly damaged by storm call the SES on 132 500
In a life threatening situation call 000
For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213
For information about road conditions contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 (in a major incident)
To report downed powerlines call Western Power on 13 13 51(in a major incident)
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. (in a major incident)
After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Call 1300 657 209, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or listen to news bulletins.
