Why this is important

    Severe storms have the capacity to strike without warning. Storms greatly impact community, properties, homes and infrastructure, while posing great risk to human life. It is for this reason, that it is imperative that both the wider community, households and individuals are supported and informed of storm preparedness and awareness.

    Why do I have to prepare my property

    It is important that individuals do not assume that the City will be wholly responsible for hazard preparedness and mitigation for each home? Our homes and our families are our personal responsibility to prepare keep safe in emergency situations.

     

    Each one of us must take personal responsibility for our property and the safety of our family. To protect your home this storm season, you must prepare your property, a little work each month of the year will also help to prepare and protect it from other natural hazards such as storms.

     

    It is very important for each of us to have a storm plan, understand that we are at risk, accept our personal responsibility to prepare and protect our homes and family, stay informed, and be self-reliant. 

    How does the SES advise you prepared for a storm?

    DFES’s State Emergency Service (SES) has these tips to help you and your family prepare before the season:

    • Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car and hire a contractor to clear trees from powerlines
    • Check your roof and gutters for damage or loose material. Replace any damaged or missing tiles
    • Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves and blockages so they don’t over flow after heavy rain
    • Store or weigh down loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture, playground equipment and sheds
    • Prepare an emergency kit with a portable battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and a first aid kit
    • Be aware that after a bad storm services such as power, telephones lines, water, sewerage and gas may not work
    • Prepare an emergency kit and an emergency plan including a relocation plan in case your home becomes flooded after heavy rain or flash flooding:
    • Consider what you will do with your pets (see animal welfare)
    • Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies
    • Display a list of emergency phone numbers
    • Keep up to date with the latest information before, during and after a storm:
    • Visit the alerts page on the DFES website
    • For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213
    • Monitor the radio, television or internet
    • Check you have adequate home and content insurance. Regularly review your cover to take into consideration renovations, fixtures and additions such as swimming pools, sheds, gazebos or new appliances

     

    Get ready for a storm

    When bad weather is expected the SES has these tips to help you and your family stay safe and reduce risk of injury and property damage:

    • Park vehicles and boats under shelter
    • Charge your mobile phone to ensure you have reception
    • Store or weigh down loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury
    • Ensure your emergency kit is complete including a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
    • Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area
    • Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning
    • If you are away from home contact family or friends to prepare your property
    • Construction site workers should store loose building material and tie down sheds
    • Boat owners should securely moor their boats or make sure they are protected on land
    • Campers should find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams

    Source: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/storm/Pages/prepareforastorm.aspx

    How can I provide feedback?

    The City of Kalamunda is encouraging residents to provide feedback.

    Online: https://engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/storm

    Hard copies are available at the City of Kalamunda Office, and at any of our libraries.

    Post to: City of Kalamunda, PO Box 42, Kalamunda WA 6926
    Email: 
    enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au 

    What will happen next?

    Following the public comment period, the Community feedback will be gathered and reviewed. The results of all the feedback will also be used to guide the relevant Storm and Emergency Response engagement plans moving forward.

    Where can I get more information?

    For more information contact the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999. We will also keep you informed through website updates, by telephone or face to face conversations if that is your preferred method of communication. Please let us know.