SES moots setting up closer unit - Myall Coast Nota

SES volunteers responded to 49 calls for assistance in Tea Gardens Hawks Nest during last week's wild storm.

Last Tuesday afternoon's storm produced damaging winds, short bursts of heavy rain and large hail in the area.

The majority of callouts were for fallen trees, damaged roofs and broken windows caused by high winds. The response was led by the Karuah Valley Unit with assistance of a number of volunteers from Wingham, Taree, Nabiac and Harrington.

NSW SES deputy region controller Tony Day said the event had again highlighted the need for residents to prepare their properties for storms.

"This includes cleaning roof gutters, trimming tree branches overhanging properties and replacing any cracked or broken roof titles," he said.

With the Karuah Valley Unit being at Booral some 50 to 60 kilometres away from Tea Gardens Hawks Nest the SES is considering conducting a feasibility study into establishing a unit in Tea Gardens Hawks Nest.

The feasibility study would include an issues paper together with consultation with key stakeholders and the community.

The official storm season is between October and March, however damaging storms can happen any time of the year.

Some basic steps people can follow to prepare for storms include securing or storing loose items around the yard or on the balcony, ensuring drains are free from blockages and checking roofs are in good repair every year.

The SES StormSafe website has a range of advice on what residents should do before, during and after storms and can be accessed by logging on to stormsafe.com.au.

For emergency help in storms and floods call the NSW SES on 132 500.

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