Protect your home before a storm occurs

 Below are some regular chores you can perform around your home to help ensure your property remains safe during a storm:

1. Check your roof regularly. Replace any damaged tiles on your roof and clean out the guttering and downpipes. It is important to keep your guttering and downpipes free from debris and unblocked at all times.
2. Check that all trees near your house are healthy and are not damaged. If you are in any doubt about the health of your trees, consult a tree surgeon or your local council for advice. Trim the branches of any trees that are close to your property or hanging over your gutters. Trees often lose branches during a storm or the weight of the branches can cause the tree to uproot and fall against exterior walls, fences or on your property.
3. Keep any stormwater drains on your property clear. Do not allow waste products such as lawn clippings and leaf litter to wash down and block your stormwater drain. These should always be disposed of correctly.

Protect your Property Once a Storm Begins

Listen to your local radio station or visit www.bom.gov.au for any information about any approaching storms. If a severe storm is heading towards your property, take these precautions:

1. Remove any toys, bicycles, or lightweight outdoor furniture from the backyard and place them inside your house, garage, or garden shed.
2. Park your car in a garage or under a carport. If you do not own a garage or a carport, park your car away from trees, and sheds. During a severe storm, the roof can lift off a shed. Sometimes the entire shed will move during a storm. Do not park your car near a shed because the shed may move and damage your car. It is also unsafe to park your car under a tree because the tree can become uprooted and fall on your car.
3. Plan an evacuation route in the event of a severe storm or flood. Remember pets can become anxious during a severe storm, so bring your pets into the house in stormy weather. Should you need to evacuate, it will be easier to evacuate with an animal that is already contained inside the house.
4. Be prepared for an emergency, such as a temporary loss of electricity. Keep a battery operated radio, a torch, and a container of new batteries in an emergency kit. You need to be able to listen to storm updates on your radio, so you will know if you must evacuate.
5. During the storm, remain inside your home and keep clear of windows. Broken glass can cause serious injury. Do not leave your home unless advised by emergency services to evacuate. During a storm, you will be safer inside the home than on the road.
6. Disconnect your electrical appliances, so you can avoid a power surge. Should you temporarily lose electricity, do not attempt to cook a meal, inside your house, using outdoor cooking appliances. Do not take unnecessary risks.
7. Once the storm has passed, check your home for any damage. Erect temporary covers over any damage to the roof, to prevent further rain damage to your home. If necessary, contact emergency services and your insurance company. Keep your children inside the home. Should there be flooding or powerlines down, it will be unsafe for children to be in the street.
8. Most importantly, make sure your home and contents insurance is up to date and provides the appropriate cover for storm damage.