Volunteers from the ACT State Emergency Service have been busy today, helping people around the Canberra community who have been affected by the storms. So far more than 40 requests for assistance have been received, as a result of the heavy rainfall and damaging winds. Our volunteers have completed 35 of the jobs. The calls for help have come from every part of Canberra, with most incidents involving trees or branches being blown down, and also some power outages, some of which are still ongoing. While this severe weather is still active, please remember to: ⚠️ Take it easy on the roads and drive to the conditions; ⛈️ Keep away from stormwater drains and catchments; 🚗 Move your car under cover and away from trees; 🔒 Secure or put away loose items; 🚧 Never drive, walk or ride through floodwater. If you need support during a storm or flood, call the ACT State Emergency Service on 132 500. For weather updates, follow the @BOM_ACT of Meteorology. For warnings and incident updates visit the ESA website: esa.act.gov.au

We could be in for a wet weekend Canberra, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a very high chance of showers for Sunday, and a likely thunderstorm on that day in the afternoon and evening. ⛈️ Sunday’s potential storm could be severe, with possible damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding. No rain is expected tomorrow (Saturday), making it a great opportunity to get out into the garden and prepare your home for Sunday's possible severe weather: 🌧️Clean your gutters of debris 🏡Trim overhanging trees and branches 🚗Move your car undercover and away from trees 🔒Secure loose items in your yard If you need help during a storm or flood, call the ACT State Emergency Service on 132 500. 🚧Remember, never drive, walk, ride or play in floodwater. For more tips on being prepared, visit: esa.act.gov.au/prepare

It’s never too late to learn CPR. ❤️ Paramedics from the ACT Ambulance Service were out and about in Canberra last week for Restart a Heart Day, instructing locals on what to do if someone nearby has a heart attack. Teams were in Belconnen, Woden and next to The Jetty on Lake Burley Griffin, teaching members of the community the basics of chest compressions and handing out relevant information. Remember, if someone near you suffers a cardiac event: 📱 CALL - Triple-Zero (000); ⬇ PUSH - hard and fast in the centre of the chest; ️⚡️SHOCK - with a defibrillator (AED). Find out more: esa.act.gov.au/restart-a-hea…

Over the weekend 25 participants took part in ACT Fire & Rescue’s Ainslie to Everest challenge - and every one of them reached the finish line! This year’s event at Mount Ainslie has already raised an incredible $33,893 for Lifeline Canberra. Over the past five years, the challenge has raised around $220,000 to support the non-for-profit's vital work. Each participant walked around 34 kilometres and climbed 2,000 metres in elevation. Together, their teams climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest, reaching a combined elevation of 8,848 metres. Teams from the ACT State Emergency Service and the AFP joined ACTF&R participants for the challenge, helping raise awareness of mental health in emergency services and underlining the growing year-on-year support for the event. The day also brought the Canberra community together, with food, emergency services displays, live entertainment and plenty of family-friendly activities held at the top of the mountain. Thank you to everyone who walked, volunteered, donated and came along to support the challenge.

Cleaning your gutters, it’s the smart move! 👍 By ensuring your drains and gutters are clear of debris, you’re helping protect your home from: 🔥 Bushfire risk - dry leaves, twigs, and debris in gutters can easily catch fire from burning embers that travel ahead of a bushfire front. ⛈️ Storm risk - blocked gutters can cause rainwater to back up, get in under the eaves and into your roof space. 🍂 Don’t leave it until it’s too late, clean your gutters today! Prepare your home for emergencies: esa.act.gov.au/prepare

When fast-moving, dangerous bushfires reach homes and suburbs on the edge of Canberra, these highly-trained volunteers will be ready to step up. While the ACT Rural Fire Service is best known for fighting bushfires, its Interface Firefighters are trained to deal with rare but high-risk incidents along the urban interface, including building fires, vehicle fires and hazardous materials incidents. ACTRFS Interface Firefighters work alongside colleagues from ACT Fire & Rescue to protect urban areas of the ACT from the threat of fire. This qualification is not for new members. Program participants are experienced volunteers who have already completed significant training with the service, and typically have several years of operational experience. After a pre-course online learning component, participants spend two and a half weekends attending evening theory sessions and more than 35 hours of practical training. They are challenged with realistic and changing fire scenarios that required them to assess risks, adjust tactics and make decisions under pressure. Six volunteers successfully completed the final assessments last weekend, demonstrating their commitment to serving the Canberra community and continually building their skills. Congratulations also to everyone behind the scenes, from the instructors and assessors to the course coordinator, facilitators and course designers - countless volunteer hours have been invested into making this critical training a success.

Having a quick chat today could help you and your family stay safe during a bushfire, severe weather or extreme heat emergency. A chat involves talking with people around you about risks, needs and possible emergency arrangements, such as: ❓ When you might stay or leave 📍 Where you could go 👧🏾 Who may need help 🏡 How to prepare your home 🔦 What to include in your Emergency Kit These topics are easier to discuss ahead of time, when there’s no pressure to make quick decisions. Getting ready for an emergency is easier than you think. Check out our Chat Guide, and start shaping your emergency plan: esa.act.gov.au/prepare

🔥 Bushfire season is here. Are you prepared? A few simple steps now can make a big difference this bushfire season. Come along to a Preparedness Pop-Up and learn how to prepare your home, make an emergency plan and understand your local bushfire risk. Events happening soon 📆 📍 Saturday, 17 October, 12:00 – 1:00 pm– Banks Oval 📍 Saturday, 17 October, 11:00 am – 1.00 pm Kippax Shops 📍 Saturday, 24 October, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Covenant College School Fair 📍 Saturday, 24 October, 11:00 am – 1.00 pm Links @ Ginninderry Visit esa.act.gov.au/preparedness-… for the full list of dates.

Motor vehicle incident - Barton Highway There has been a motor vehicle incident on the Barton Highway between Ellenborough Street and Gungahlin Drive in Mitchell. esa.act.gov.au/node/6612

Structure fire - Acton ACT Fire & Rescue are currently on scene at a structure fire at ANU on Linnaeus Way, Acton. The fire has been contained and there is no threat to community safety. esa.act.gov.au/node/6610

This Restart a Heart Day, take the opportunity to learn a skill that could save a life. On Friday, 16 October 2026, ACT Ambulance Service paramedics will be out in the community providing CPR demonstrations and answering your questions about responding to a cardiac arrest. Drop by between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm at: ❤️ The Jetty, Parkes ❤️ Westfield Belconnen ❤️ Westfield Woden Find out more: esa.act.gov.au/restart-a-hea…

You're invited to visit the new Molonglo Emergency Services Station! 🚒 🚑 Meet the crews who help keep our community safe, get up close to emergency services vehicles and say hello to some familiar furry faces! 🐾 📆 Sunday, 25 October 2026 from 10am - 3pm 🎟️ Entry is free, but tickets are required 📍 Molonglo Emergency Services Station, Cotter Road. Get tickets - eventbrite.com.au/e/molonglo…

Storms impact thousands of properties around Canberra every year. Volunteers from the ACT State Emergency Service are trained and ready to make temporary repairs and clear fallen trees during severe weather emergencies, but you can take steps now to protect your home. 🍂 Clean your gutters, remove branches and trees that overhang your home, and tie down/put away loose items; 🏠 Make sure your home insurance is up-to-date; 📝 Use our online guide to create your Emergency Plan: esa.act.gov.au/prepare

Are you interested in joining the ACT State Emergency Service as a volunteer? 📆 Join the upcoming information session on Sunday, 18 October 2026 - eventbrite.com.au/e/act-stat… You'll learn about what ACTSES volunteers do, the recruitment process, training, and the opportunities available across our units. Can't make it in person? Contact [email protected] to register your interest.

Being prepared for an emergency doesn't have to be complicated. It starts with three simple steps: Chat. Plan. Act. 🌦️🔥 💬 Chat Talk with your household, family, friends and neighbours about emergencies that could affect you. Having these conversations early can help everyone understand their options before an emergency occurs. 📝 Plan Work together to decide what you'll do during different emergencies. Having a plan in place means important decisions have already been made before the pressure is on. ✅ Act Take practical steps now to put your preparations into action. Build an Emergency Kit, prepare your home, understand warnings and alerts, and know where to find emergency information. Whether it's bushfires, storms, floods or extreme heat, a little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. Find guides, checklists and tools to help you get started: esa.act.gov.au/prepare