The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) is urging South Australians to shake off complacency and prepare their homes for ‘storm season’.

Spring marks the start of the busiest season of the year for the SES, with volunteers responding to thousands of requests for assistance from the public.

The majority are related to property damage due to severe storms.

Dave O’Shannesy, SES South Region Commander, says SES personnel responded to a record 5000 calls last spring.

“As a result of a changing climate, damaging weather events are increasing in their frequency and severity,’’ he says.

“Increases in damaging weather, such as storms and floods, is reflected in the rise of requests for assistance we are receiving from the public.

“Our dedicated volunteers and personnel respond to over 10,000 calls a year.

“The SES will always be there to help people in need, but we encourage people to be proactive and take steps to reduce the risk of storm damage to the family home and avoid potentially costly repairs.

“Through a new partnership with NRMA Insurance, we are increasing our community engagement capability to help raise awareness of what people can do to protect their homes and also to assist in building preparedness and resilience in local communities.’’

New research* from NRMA Insurance reveals less than a third (32 per cent) of South Australians have taken steps to prepare for severe weather in the past three months.

Less than half (47 per cent) plan to take steps in the next three months.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs urges South Australians to be proactive.

“History shows us how important it is to be prepared for wild weather, which can cause extensive damage to homes and property,” he says.

“This can be heartbreaking not to mention disruptive. Our emergency services do an incredible job but we all need to do our bit.

“I urge everyone to make sure they are prepared. Making the effort now can prevent a much bigger task down the track.”

People can access or download information online on how to prepare their properties for severe weather, reduce the risk of storm damage and create an emergency kit.

The SES advises the following to get ready for spring:

• Clear gutters, downpipes and drains.
• Trim trees on your property.
• Secure loose items around the home.
• Check your insurance policy is current and adequate
• Call 132 500 for emergency assistance in a storm or flood.

*Conducted by Pureprofile online in August 2023 surveying 500 South Australians.