With a wet and wild summer on the cards this year, NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is encouraging communities in Maitland and the winder Hunter to be ready for a potential increase in storms and floods.
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The NSW SES has launched Get Ready - a new campaign to help communities in the Hunter and Central Coast prepare for the upcoming storm season.
NSW SES Hunter Media Officer Alexandra Varley said that in the past few months, there has been widespread flooding in NSW, particularly in the southern parts of the State.
"Unfortunately, some people are not heeding the warnings of NSW SES and are risking their lives by driving through floodwaters," Ms Varley said.
"In fact, over the last eight months alone, NSW SES has received more than 90 flood rescue requests from people who have done exactly that.
"We are asking the community to help NSW SES volunteers by never driving, walking or riding through floodwater. Doing so puts yourselves, and emergency services, at risk," Ms Varley said.
While storm season usually falls between October to March each year, Ms Varley said severe weather can happen at any time and that people should always be prepared.
"Our dedicated NSW SES volunteers selflessly give up their own time to protect their communities during floods and storms.
"It is important to know your flood risk and have an emergency plan in place for what you will do in the event of a flood," she said.
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