Residents living in Dwellingup and other areas of the South West and Perth metropolitan areas have been asked to take action and stay safe as severe weather approaches the area.
“This weather is not unusual for this time of year, but could damage homes and make travel dangerous,” a Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) spokesperson said.
Affected locations include Dwellingup, Pingelly and Williams.
DFES advises residents to:
- Find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams if outside.
- Close curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
- Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
- If there is flooding, create their own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect their home.
- If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
If driving:
- Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
- Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
- Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
- 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 be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
Some roads may be closed.
People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves, if it is safe to do so, before calling SES for assistance.
DFES is monitoring the situation.
Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visiting mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting the Shire of Murray.
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500
In a life threatening situation call 000
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 or cars.
Contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
For more information go to emergency.wa.gov.au, call 11 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Facebook and Twitter.
