The Mandurah State Emergency Services (SES) unit is on the hunt for more volunteers to join its ranks following the city’s first dose of winter weather over the weekend.
SES crews were left to pick up the pieces after the city was battered with harsh winds and rain, attending 11 call-outs ranging from damaged roofs and ceilings to dismantled garden sheds.
While tending to the storm damage, local crews were also busy assisting with the search for missing Perth man Ian Collett.
Now the unit is looking for more pairs of hands to join its efforts, with more storms looming on the horizon.
“On average, about four or five storms capable of damaging properties hit Mandurah each year, with the bulk of them coming in winter,” SES unit manager Chris Stickland said.
“We had our first over the weekend, so history would suggest we’ve got more on the way, usually hitting around the change of seasons.
“During these storms we’ll be out sandbagging homes, fixing roofs, helping with floods and also sending crews to other regions to help there.
“It’s a really busy time for us so we’re always looking for people to join the ranks.”
Outside of extra volunteers, the unit also relies on donations from the community to keep its resources well stocked.
Tarpaulins, ropes and sandbags are just some of their items that can be stretched too thinly in the event of an emergency.
They are also urging the community to be better prepared for the winter storm season, to help minimise the number of call-outs their crews have to attend.
Simple tasks like tying down loose household items and cleaning out gutters will help clear homes of risk.
“Even things like making sure you don’t put your bins out until the last minute or tying down your outdoor settings could save us some of the minor call-outs, and allow us to work on things like collapsed ceilings,” Mandurah SES unit media officer Bec Burns said.
Last year the Mandurah unit worked upwards of 3500 hours on operational duties including call-outs, rescues and searches, while they almost doubled that figure working on preparation and prevention duties.
Anyone interested in joining the Mandurah SES can contact deputy manager Paul Dwyer on 0438 058 285 or visit their Facebook page.
People in need of SES assistance are urged to call 132 500.