Sandbag pod to be installed at Murray Bridge SES in case of flooding
The State Emergency Service plans to make sandbags freely available, 24 hours a day, in case of emergency in Murray Bridge.
The next time flooding strikes the Murray Bridge district, the State Emergency Service will be able to respond more quickly.
The SES plans to install a self-serve “sandbag pod” at its station on Thomas Street.
Residents of flood-prone areas will be able to pick up sandbags there at any hour of the day or night.
The pod will hold up to 80 flood preparation packs, each of which will include:
- 10 empty sandbags
- a three-by-two-metre plastic sheet
- instructions
Similar pods have already been installed at 13 locations across Adelaide’s northern and north-eastern suburbs.
State Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs said recent flood events had proven the need for a quicker means of distributing sandbags.
“We know in emergency situations such as the flooding South Australia has experienced recently that preparation is key to protecting homes, property and lives,” he said.
“Heading towards a third consecutive La Niña weather pattern” – associated with increased rainfall – “the installation of the new pods couldn’t have come at a better time.”
SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie said being prepared could also help minimise the impact of severe storms.
“Having a flood action plan, preparing an emergency kit and taking some simple steps around your home can play a large part in minimising or preventing the impact of storm damage,” he said.
- More information: www.ses.sa.gov.au.
- Get help: Call the SES on 132 500 or, in a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
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