Removing trees from Dubbo roads, roofs, driveways and verandahs kept up to a dozen volunteers of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Macquarie Region on the go on Tuesday after a storm hit the city in the late afternoon.
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Strong winds led to 14 “call-outs” for the region’s Dubbo unit that worked into the night.
The “relatively busy” event has led deputy region controller Phil Lalor to again remind residents of the “little things” they can do to prevent storm damage.
“We’re well and truly in the storm season at the moment,” he said.
“The pattern of weather with afternoon storms is set to continue for the remainder of the storm season which runs through to March.
“Storms can occur at any time and the severe storms we’ve seen in the last few days are a great reminder for people to do the little things to prepare their properties now before the next storm arrives.”
They include trimming tree branches, cleaning out gutters, and preventing the likes of outdoor furniture and play equipment becoming “missiles”.
Mr Laor is also encouraging residents to look out for pets and neighbours.
“Pets can become quite distraught during a storm with the lightning and thunder,” he said.
“The other thing is to check on neighbours, particularly if they are elderly or are people who may need some assistance.”
Between Monday and Wednesday morning, the region’s volunteers responded to 15 call-outs in Dubbo, four in Wellington and one in Mudgee.
Storms were forecast for Dubbo on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
