Local SES crews received dozens of calls as strong winds lashed Melton and Moorabool between September 26 and October 3.
Bacchus Marsh SES deputy controller Bill Robson said volunteers were exhausted after attending more than 50 call-outs.
“Most calls were for trees that’d fallen across roads and buildings, as well as to repair damaged roof tiles using tarps and sandbags,” he said.
Mr Robson said volunteers received four calls about airborne trampolines that had caused serious damage to roofs, cars and windows.
“Residents should be reminded that if they’re not secured properly, trampolines become very dangerous in high winds.”
An SES crew from Bacchus Marsh was sent to Melton last Thursday to help with a backlog of calls for help.
The Melton unit also received help from CFA volunteers throughout the afternoon and night. “SES were stretched to the limit with crews out removing dangerous limbs, tarping roofs and doing general rescue work,” Melton CFA’s Blair Dellemijn said. “With the pumper and rescue sent out in different directions, [the brigade’s] field command vehicle and tanker were tasked with rapid assessments of the area, going from house to house checking residents who had called for assistance.”
Bacchus Marsh SES also rescued a cat that had given birth to four kittens in the roof of a neighbouring property on Thursday.
“The kittens were located safe and well in the roof insulation. They were removed along with their mother and relocated back to the family home,” Mr Robson said.
An SES spokesman reminded residents that it was important to be prepared for wild weather.
He said people should avoid parking vehicles under trees, secure or store loose items around the house, yard and balcony and keep clear of any fallen power lines.
» For help in floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500.
