Residents are encouraged to prepare their properties for the possibility of nasty weather as the season officially kicks off today and runs until April 30, 2016.

However, it is not only residents who are getting prepared.

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from the Bathurst unit have undertaken pre-storm season training, and Central West region controller Craig Ronan said when faced with a tough season ahead it is the pre-season training that really gives you the edge.

“Getting ready now will give you peace of mind later when the storms hit. It’s that simple,” he said.

Mr Ronan added that while severe storms can occur any time of the year they are more prevalent during this period.

During the past 12 months, Central West region volunteers responded to almost 700 storm call outs and volunteered more than 3286 hours to assist their local communities.

Jennifer Cobley, manager partnerships and programs, from NRMA Insurance, the principal partner of the NSW SES, said every year the insurer sees the effects that storms have on the community.

“In a typical year, almost half of all home claims in NSW result from storms,” she said.

“The storm events in April this year saw this increase to over 75 per cent of all home claims.

“We encourage communities to get ready for storm season by taking simple steps to prepare their homes.”

For more information go to www.nsw.gov.au/

getready or www.stormsafe.com.au. For help in storms and floods call the NSW SES on 132 500. Always dial triple-0 in a life-threatening emergency.