A severe storm can strike at any time, with little warning. But there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage to your home and help keep your family safe.
The heavy rain, high winds and hail that occur during storms can cause substantial damage to your home and possessions but it’s damage that can often be prevented.
Maintaining your property is the first step to take. Here are some weekend tasks that can make all the difference:
- Clean gutters and downpipes and check inside the roof for leaks.
- Sweep leaves and debris away from drains and fix any that are blocked to make sure storm water can flow away.
- Trim tree branches near the house (after first checking with your local council) and tidy up any loose objects that could blow around.
- Check the simple Storm Safety checklist below for more on what to do as the bad weather approaches. Always remember, the personal safety of you and your family is of paramount importance. In any emergency, if you need help call, the Emergency Service. Look up the number now and keep it by your phone. Always evacuate if you’re asked to. If you pack up and go of your own accord, let people know. Tell police or Emergency Service and your neighbours.
Take some simple precautions to ensure your home and family are ready for the storm season and as a storm approaches:
1. Put together a family emergency kit.
Emergency Services say this is one of the most important things you can do to help keep your family safe in an emergency like a storm. Your emergency kit is a pack of everyday things that you’ll need if you don’t have electricity, light or water. You can get most of them from your supermarket or hardware store.
2. Get to know the storm survival basics.
The better you know what to do in an emergency the less likely you are to panic. These simple checklists will help you weather the storm.
3. Learn basic first aid.
With a good first aid kit, you’ll be equipped to help any family member who gets hurt. Remember you won’t be able to reach a doctor or hospital until the storm has passed. Better still, learn basic first aid skills by taking a short course with St John Ambulance.
4. Check your home insurance is up to date.
Check that your home building and contents insurance policies haven’t lapsed. And that you’re insured for the right amount to cover the replacement cost of your home and contents at today’s prices.
The information is general advice and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs, and may not suit your personal circumstances. So before making decisions about insurance products you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your circumstances, and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement.
5. ‘Tie down’ your home and garden.
If a storm is imminent, remove any loose objects that might get broken or cause damage if they’re blown around. Tie down (or fill with water) large, relatively light things like garbage bins and boats. Shelter and secure your pets. Shelter vehicles or cover them with a tarpaulin or blankets – make sure you have a full tank of fuel in case you need and are able to evacuate. Disconnect electrical appliances. If floods are likely, move outdoor equipment, cardboard boxes, garbage, chemicals and poisons to somewhere up high. Check your emergency kit and fill your sinks and bath with fresh drinking water.
6. Know what to do after the storm.
There’s a simple checklist of precautions to take after the emergency has passed.
7. Watch out for lightning.
Lightning deaths and injuries occur most often when you’re in or near water – indoor and outdoor pools, even showers. Get everyone out of the pool if there’s lightning about.
Further Information
The MetSevice website has weather warnings:
Storm Safety Checklist
Follow these basic tips to keep you and your family safe in a severe storm:
- Shelter in the strongest part of your home, like the bathroom, cellar, hallway or built-in wardrobe.
- If necessary, cover yourself with a mattress, blanket, duvet or tarpaulin, under a table.
- Stay clear of windows and skylights. Close curtains and blinds to protect against flying glass.
- Don’t use the phone – it’s dangerous if there’s lightning about.
- Listen to a portable radio for weather updates.
- If flooding is likely, put furniture, TV and rugs as high as you can.
- If you’re outside, find solid shelter – never shelter under a tree.
- If there’s no shelter, crouch down low with your feet together – don’t lie down. You want as little of your body touching the ground as possible to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
- If you’re driving, slow down or park away from trees, powerlines and creeks or rivers.
After the Storm Checklist
Inside:
- Check your home for damage to windows, wall or roof.
- For emergency assistance - call the Emergency Service.
- If you’re returning to your home, make sure the electricity and gas are turned off before going inside. Use only a torch until you’re sure there’s no gas around.
- Check that your neighbours are OK.
- Remove what excess water you can and mop sodden carpets.
- Don’t eat food that’s been in contact with flood water and boil water until supplies have been declared safe.
Appliances:
- Don’t use electrical items that got wet, have them professionally tested.
- Have gas appliances inspected and cleaned to prevent a gas explosion or fire.
- Check your smoke detectors are still working.
Outside:
- Beware of fallen powerlines, damaged trees and flooded creeks.
- Don’t let children play in or near flood waters.
- If you must enter flood waters, wear solid shoes, not jandals or bare feet, and check the depth and current with a stick. Stay away from drains, culverts and water that’s more than knee-deep.
- Don’t drive until you know it’s safe.
Garden
- Trim tree branches near the house (after first checking with your local council) and tidy up any loose objects that could blow around. Sweep leaves and debris away from drains and fix any that are blocked to make sure storm water can flow away.
Roof
- Clean gutters and downpipes and check inside the roof for leaks.
Ceiling
- Look at ceiling storage options for lighter household items. You may be able specially strengthen a roof space or an upper level to support the extra weight of heavier items.