Geraldton Greenough SES training before wind gusts and showers result in nine calls for assistance from damage

Volunteer services upped their training to improve their skills in tackling emergencies on the eve of responding to calls for help with storm-damaged property. SES members from Kalbarri, Moora, Eneabba, Useless Loop and Geraldton-Greenough gathered in Kalbarri last weekend to conduct off-road training and 4WD recovery techniques. Nine members received qualifications in driving and 12 members qualified in 4WD recovery. Geraldton-Greenough SES local manager Ross Jones said the volunteers negotiated rough terrain, including driving in boggy mud, sand and on rough rock surfaces. “This training will complement the member’s skills when responding to emergency incidents,” he said. The SES crew then received nine calls for assistance during the windy and wet weather from Monday to Wednesday. A DFES spokesperson confirmed five call-outs were received on Monday, one on Tuesday and three on Wednesday. Mr Jones said the five calls on Monday related to roof damage, small water leaks and structural damage to a brick wall. The strongest wind gusts were recorded on Monday, up to 87km/h. SES attended a call-out for a small leak dripping from a sky light in Wonthella and a collapsed brick wall in Spalding. “We had a few calls initially because of the strong wind gusts, mainly smaller jobs for sheets coming loose from people’s roof,” Mr Jones said. On Tuesday, SES received a call for assistance when a patio had lifted off the ground in Springfield due to strong wind gusts. “A patio flipped off and landed on the roof. The roof itself was fine and there were no leaks,” Mr Jones said. “Because we don’t have the equipment the owner had to organise the removal with his insurance company.” Help was also required in Wandina to secure a fence blowing in the wind, and in Drummond Cove where a piece of tin roof was flapping in the wind. Mr Jones said he urged the community to check emergency weather warnings, follow the directions and prepare before the storm. “We are always reminding residents to do as much preventative maintenance to your home before the storm hits,” he said.