The unit will be holding workshops from 9am until 12 midday for people who are looking at learning how to help themselves during storms and in the aftermath. 

After the workshops there will be a community barbecue and everyone is invited to attend to meet local SES crew members.

Katie Blake, training coordinator for the Port Macquarie unit said the day was all about upskilling and empowering locals.

“We are coming into storm season and we really wanted to connect with the residents living on the North Shore,” Ms Blake said.

“On Saturday we will be holding a series of training workshops at Kangaroo Park – near the ferry – and will walk people through how to protect their properties from flood or storm damage.

“We are called to the North Shore but it can be tricky if the ferry is closed due to flooding to get over there to help them.”

Ms Blake said empowering locals to know what to do in a flood is just one way the local SES unit are helping the community.

“This year we formed the North Side Community Action Team and this workshop morning is about continuing to strengthen those relationships,” she said.

“For us it is about making those connections so when things go wrong or bad things happen we know who we are talking to and who is around to help until we can get there.”

The unit is encouraging everyone in the community to come and see what they can do to prepare for the storm season ahead.

“It is all focused around the fact prevention is always better and the more prepared people can be the more incidents can be managed.”