SES warning to leave storm clean-ups to experts | Photos, video

That’s the warning that’s been issued by Orange’s members of the NSW State Emergency Service [SES] who are concerned residents are using unsafe and ill-advised practices to clean up the damage caused by recent heavy winds.

According to NSW SES Local Controller Kim Stevens the results could be disastrous, as they very nearly were last week at an Orange home.

Wild winds on Wednesday night caused the limbs of a mature liquid amber tree in a north Orange backyard to split down the middle, damaging a fence and sections of a neighbouring house’s roof.

As the situation progressed the neighbours were required to prevent the branch going through their dining room window.

VIDEO: The NSW SES crew get to work on the damaged tree ...

Despite the winds and darkness, the resident chose to climb a small, unsecured A-frame ladder and use a chainsaw to severe a large branch, which was being held up by the neighbours.

The resident took the action under the belief that the SES wouldn’t be available to assist after hours, a notion Mr Stevens said was incorrect and could potentially have catastrophic consequences.

“The SES operates 24/7 and we are only a phone call away,” said Mr Stevens.

The unstable tree was removed by the SES two days later, prompting Mr Stevens to warn against risking physical harm without proper safety equipment.

“On Wednesday we were called out to deal with four dangerous trees,” he said.

“We have the equipment, training and personnel, and our first priority is safety and limiting threats to people and property.

“Fortunately no one was injured when dealing with this tree, but it doesn’t take too much imagination to realise things could have gone awry very quickly.”

Mr Stevens urged Orange residents to call when trees pose a threat rather than attempt repairs themsleves, and never to place themselves at risk of injury.

That advice looked like it would be needed on the weekend when the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for Orange on Sunday afternoon.

The warning predicted winds of up to 90km/h. The bureau said a wind gust of 83km/h had been recorded at Bathurst at 4.38pm as storms swept across the region, but Orange escaped the worst of it.

The Orange unit of the NSW SES is based at 270 McLachlan Street. Residents’ in need of assistance during storms should call 132 500.