Warning as strong winds return

WITH the unseasonably strong winds of late, Wollongong City Council is urging residents to take some time to secure outdoor household items and be mindful of how rubbish is disposed.

“Normally, when the August winds arrive we see items like trampolines blown about and damage from fallen trees and the like,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.

“It looks like those conditions have certainly arrived early this year and we’re asking the community to take simple measures to minimise their impact like ensuring outdoor furniture is safely tucked away.”

The winds can also provide a challenge for rubbish collection and residents are encouraged to tie up bags of household rubbish before they’re placed in the red-lidded bins.

The Council are asking builders to secure lightweight items like Styrofoam (used in concrete slabs) and insulation material to keep these out of the environment.

“No one likes to see their street strewn with rubbish and by tying up bags you’re minimising the risk rubbish will spill from household bins should they fall over in the wind.”

Cr Bradbery also thanked local SES volunteers following their efforts to help the community in the recent winds and reminded residents that if they do have trouble with trees and fallen branches in the wind to contact the SES on 132 500.

For more information call the Council on (02) 4227 7111.