NSW SES volunteers spent countless hours responding to more than 16,000 storm emergency call-outs across the state during the last storm season and there’s concern that number could rise due to the forecast of a wet storm season.

In the area covered by the Central West Region, volunteers responded to around 1100 storm jobs last season in locations including Bathurst, Blayney and Lithgow.

“Most of the damage we saw was from trees crashing down on homes and vehicles, as well as leaking and damaged roofs, but much of this damage was preventable,” NSW SES Central West Region controller Craig Ronan said.

“Some simple things you can do now to get ready for the storm season include trimming trees, cleaning gutters and downpipes and securing loose items around the yard or balcony.

“It’s also vital that people remember to stay out of floodwater because NSW SES volunteers have already responded to numerous flood rescues this year.”

Earlier in the year, NRMA Insurance worked with the NSW SES and University of NSW to conduct scientific research to prove that driving through floodwater isn’t safe.

The research found that it takes very little water to make even a large vehicle unstable.

Once the water reaches the floor of the vehicle, it becomes very vulnerable, and there is enough force to make the vehicle float away.

“In addition to preparing their homes for storm season, people need to be aware of the dangers of driving through floodwater,” NRMA Insurance head of shared value Ramana James said.

"Common-sense says that people shouldn’t drive through floodwater, yet NSW SES volunteers are increasingly rescuing people who have misjudged flooded roads.”

The official storm season runs from October to March, but the NSW SES says storms can happen at any time of year.

Storm safety tips are available at www.stormsafe.com.au or www.nrma.com.au/ses.