Yarra Ranges Council is urging residents to stay safe during the coming storms, following forecasts of greater than 100mm of rain expected to fall in the area between Friday 1 and Sunday 3 December.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning and a Flood Watch for the Greater Metropolitan Melbourne area and areas around the Yarra River for the weekend.
The storm poses potential risks such as flash flooding, disruption to main traffic routes, inundations of building and impacts to services including public transport, sewerage, water supplies and power.
CEO Glenn Patterson said residents should heed the warnings issued by Emergency Management Victoria to steer clear of floodwaters.
“During a flood and severe weather, make sure you tune in to ABC Local Radio as your emergency broadcaster and only travel when necessary,” Mr Patterson said.
“A car can float away with 15cm of water – the length of a pen – so make sure to never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
“In a flood or storm emergency, contact the SES on 132 500 and always call triple-zero for life-threatening emergencies.”
Residents should not attempt to clear their roof or gutters in the rain.
Residents can report dangerous trees on public land for inspection by calling 1300 368 333.
If you are in a flood-prone area, consider making arrangements for your pets now to avoid having to leave them behind.
Residents whose houses suffer major structural damage should contact their insurer and relevant council. If the house has suffered major damage, council will complete a building assessment and provide advice on whether the house is habitable.
Buildings built before 1988 may contain asbestos cement sheeting in walls, roof, floor underlays and other areas. These materials are not generally a health risk, unless they are broken, cut or ground, in which case they may release asbestos fibres.
If your home contains asbestos and you suspect asbestos materials have been damaged from the storm, it is recommended you contact a licensed asbestos specialist to assess.
Lilydale SES has a designated sandbag collection point in Nelson Road, Lilydale, open from noon-8pm on Friday and 8am-8pm Saturday and Sunday.
Receive updates from Emergency Management Victoria at emergency.vic.gov.au or download their app from your app store.
For information about what to do in a flood, visit ses.vic.gov.au/floodsafe
To stream ABC Radio Melbourne, visit abc.net.au/Melbourne or tune into 96.1FM.
For information about safe handling of asbestos, visit asbestos.vic.gov.au
For all council-related inquiries, call 1300 368 333.
