Emergency services have urged Canberrans to prepare their homes for this year's storm season, with severe and strong winds expected in coming months.
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Acting chief officer of the ACT SES, Jeffrey Butler, said this year's season, which runs from September to February, was expected to be similar to that of last year.
Last year saw 1300 emergency calls made to the SES.
Mr Butler said the strong winds and damaging conditions associated with the season could lead to bushfires in coming months.
"We're seeing the same type of storms that we see at this time of year," Mr Butler said.
"We're not expecting an increased bushfire risk from the storms, but storms may contribute to fires starting due to lighting strikes.
"Storms do come all year round, so we're always prepared."
The acting head of the SES said while conditions in coming days would be fine and sunny, now was the time to take preventative measures around the home.
Mr Butler said securing loose items around the property and clearing gutters was an important step to take.
"For homeowners, now is the time to go around the check the property," he said.
"Trampolines seem to be a favourite of big winds, and we've seen a few picked up and land on people's roofs.
ACT Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman said western areas in the ACT and those with properties near bushland would be most at risk during this year's season.
"Parts of Canberra closer to the Brindabellas would be most affected, and the winds tend to come from the west, so areas close to that front would be at risk," Mr Gentleman said.
"We do expect severe winds during the storm season this year.
This storm season, more than 360 SES volunteers will be on standby in the event of a severe storm.
It's hoped that number will increase to more than 500 by 2023.
"Anyone can become a volunteer," Mr Butler said.
"We've finished recruitment for this year's storm season, but we're launching recruitment again later this year."
Mr Butler said the most common type of call out seen by SES crews during the storm season was from flash flooding and damage to roofs.
"We see lots of sheeting lifted from roofs or tiles dislodged and skylights damaged during hailstorms," Mr Butler said.
"If there's even a few leaves in the gutter during a big storm, the water won't be able to flow out of the drain, and it will go under the eaves and into the house.
"It's very preventable to stop getting further damage, which can exacerbate."
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
