This week's wild weather has kept Cessnock's emergency services volunteers on their toes, with calls for fallen trees, leaking roofs and flooded roadways across the city.
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The Cessnock City State Emergency Service (SES) unit has attended 34 callouts in the past week, assisted by volunteers from the Cessnock District Rescue Squad.
Thirty of the callouts were storm-related (including 13 for fallen trees and 17 for property protection), three were flood-related, and one was to assist with an evacuation.
Cessnock City SES Unit commander Jesse Roberts said it was a "massive effort" by all involved - especially considering many of the unit's volunteers are new to the SES.
"Some of them have only been involved for six to eight months, so it was their first major event," he said.
"Our crews worked really well together."
Read more: The rains are certainly here
With more rain forecast in Cessnock this week, Mr Roberts reminded people to never drive, ride or walk through flood waters.
Stay tuned to livetraffic.com or Cessnock City Council's website for information about road closures.
The SES also advises residents to take the time to prepare properties for floods and storms, by cleaning gutters and downpipes, checking your roof is in good repair, securing or putting away loose items, and having a flood plan (including how you might care for pets).
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500, or if your life is in danger, call Triple-Zero (000).
- The Cessnock City SES welcomes new volunteers. Visit ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 201 000 for more information.