NSW SES is urging locals to be prepared to help reduce the damage caused in severe weather.

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 with a wet storm season forecast.

In the northern Shoalhaven area alone, volunteers responded to around 105 storm jobs last season.

“Most of the damage we saw was from trees crashing down on homes and vehicles as well as leaking and damaged roofs,” said NSW SES Nowra Unit Controller Mark Kielly.

“Much of that damage was preventable.”

He said there were some simple things residents could do now to get ready for the storm season, including trimming trees, cleaning gutters and downpipes and securing loose items around the yard or balcony.

The official storm season runs from October to March but storms can happen at any time of the year so it’s important people are always prepared for severe weather.

Shoalhaven residents have the chance to learn how to get ready for the storm season at the Shoalhaven River Festival on October 22 or at the Shoalhaven Emergency Services open day at Greenwell Point on November 13.

Mr Kielly said it was vital people remember to stay out of floodwater.

“NSW SES volunteers have already responded to numerous flood rescues this year, including in the Shoalhaven,” he said.

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 extremely 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,” said NRMA Insurance spokesperson Ramana James.

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

More storm safety tips are available at: www.stormsafe.com.au or www.nrma.com.au/ses.