VICSES urges public to prepare for further strong winds

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VICSES urges public to prepare for further strong winds

Published 29/08/2020

 

Media release – Saturday 29/8/20 - 17:30

 

VICSES urges public to prepare for further strong winds

 

VICSES volunteers are this afternoon clearing the last of the 3,200+ calls for assistance received since wild winds impacted Victoria late on Thursday.

 

With the Bureau of Meteorology issuing another severe weather warning for damaging winds (http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/on Sunday, VICSES is urging the public to be mindful of the potential for further tree falls.

 

Loose branches that may have been dislodged on Thursday may come down with further strong winds, whilst wet ground with weakened trees only increases the risk.

 

The safest place to be during a storm is indoors. VICSES encourages the public to monitor weather conditions and if exercising, to do so either before the storm impacts or once it has passed your local area.

 

VICSES also encourages people to check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and to move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

 

The Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the public can travel to a friend or family member’s house If a power outage impacts your health or safety, or the health or safety of someone you live with.

 

Most affected areas from Thursday’s storm event included: Mount Evelyn (89 calls for assistance), Croydon (81), Belgrave (75), The Basin (54) and Ferntree Gully (51).

 

For flood or storm emergency assistance the public can call the SES on 132 500.