SES Maroondah Unit

❄️🌙 Today marks the Winter Solstice – the shortest day and longest night of the year.

While many people see it as a time for reflection and renewal, it's also the perfect reminder to prepare your home for the winter weather that may still be ahead.

A little preparation now can help prevent a lot of headaches later. Here are three simple things you can do to get storm ready:

🌳 Trim back trees and branches around your home

🍂 Clear your gutters, downpipes and drains

🎒 Prepare or check your emergency kit

After all, winter storms don't check the calendar before arriving, and your gutters don't magically clean themselves during the longest night of the year! 😉

For more tips on preparing your home for storms, visit:
🌐 www.ses.vic.gov.au/be-storm-smart

☎️ For SES assistance during floods and storms, call 132 500

🚨 In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

🍂 Your gutters weren't designed to be garden beds!

Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow into your roof, ceilings and walls, leading to costly damage when heavy rain and storms arrive.

Now is the perfect time to grab the ladder (safely), clear out any leaves and debris, and make sure water can flow freely away from your home.

We've seen some very impressive gutter gardens over the years 🌱😅 — but trust us, your roof will thank you for keeping the plants on the ground where they belong!

A little maintenance today can save a lot of trouble tomorrow.

☎️ For SES assistance during floods and storms, call 132 500

🚨 In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

🌊 Floodwater is often deeper, faster and more dangerous than it appears.

Did you know?

🚗 Just 15cm of moving water can affect your vehicle's control.

🚙 Just 30cm of moving water can carry away a car.

If you come across a flooded road, creek crossing or water over the roadway, don't take the risk. The inconvenience of turning around is far better than the consequences of getting stuck.

Remember: your car may be many things, but it's definitely not a boat! 🚤❌

🚗 Turn Around, Don't Drown.

☎️ For SES assistance during floods and storms, call 132 500

🚨 In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

🌧️🚨 Flood warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to help communities prepare for possible riverine flooding.

Once BoM issues a flood warning, VICSES translates that information into community and township-specific warnings on the VicEmergency app, complete with clear action statements so you know exactly what to do.

With four different flood warning levels, it can sometimes feel like flood warnings have their own language! 🌊 That's why we've put together the images below to explain what each warning level means and the actions you should take if flooding threatens your area.

📱 During any emergency, don't rely on just one source of information. Stay informed by:
✅ Monitoring the VicEmergency app and website
✅ Following official emergency service updates
✅ Listening to local emergency radio stations
✅ Watching trusted television news broadcasts

A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. And remember — if it's flooded, forget it. Your car is not a boat, no matter how confident it feels! 🚗🚫🌊