Batten down the hatches

EDITORIAL –

Yet again, huge storms have caused flash flooding across the Central Coast, and with a wet Winter predicted, it is bound to happen again and again.

As Central Coast Council struggles with a legacy of inadequate drainage and SES resources are stretched to the limit, it is time for residents to batten down the hatches and do what they can to prepare for more inevitable flooding.

SES Central Coast Chief Inspector Rolf Garda says the community expects quick action, but the service’s resources are limited, with many volunteers holding down day jobs.

He has called on homeowners to help with self-mitigation measures to ease the demand on emergency services.

One of the biggest jobs the SES faces during severe weather events is filling and distributing hundreds of tonnes of sandbags.

This could be reduced with a little forward thinking by residents.

If you are in a flood-prone area, have some dry sandbags stockpiled in your home or garage.

Garda says they can be filled with gravel or bark as well as sand and can provide an immediate diversion of floodwaters.

Even a sheet of plastic weighted down with bricks or planks can do at a pinch.

While homemade levees are not practical for everyone, simple water diversion measures can be undertaken.

One thing homeowners can do is keep roof gutters clear of leaves and debris to stop overflow into homes.

And one of the biggest things we can all do is steer clear of roads we know are quick to go under.

While anyone can get caught unawares by fast-rising water on roadways, a major concern is those who ignore Road Closed signage, thinking they know better.

For these motorists, the SES understandably has little sympathy.

It’s easy to grumble about roads with poor drainage, but it’s equally easy to take some responsibility for flood preparedness.

The SES says never drive, walk or play in flood waters.

Be aware that you could be trapped without power, water and other essential services and it might be too dangerous for the SES to rescue you; and plan for it.

Stockpile essential supplies to last for at least three to five days, including food, drinking water, medications, pet food and animal feed.

Check your backyard for any loose objects and secure or store them safely.

Trim trees and branches and check your roof for and damaged or missing tiles.

Download the Hazards Near Me app, or visit ses.nsw.gov.au to keep up to date with the latest warnings and information.

For the latest forecasts and weather warnings, visit the Bureau of Meteorology site: http://www.bom.gov.au/

Let’s all get ready to weather the storm.