Protect your Home Before a Storm Occurs

Here are a number of regular chores you can perform to help ensure your home 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, so the guttering or downpipes remain unblocked in the event of a storm.

2. Check that all trees near your house are healthy and 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 tree that is close to the house. Trees often lose branches during a storm. Sometimes the weight of the branches can cause the tree to uproot and fall against exterior walls or fences 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. Lawn clippings and leaf litter should always be disposed of correctly.

Protect your Property Once a Storm Begins

Listen to your local radio station for any information about an approaching storm. 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. Eat a cold meal if you are hungry.

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.

Keep your property in good condition at all times. There should be no broken tiles on your roof and your guttering and downpipes should be clear of debris. During a severe storm, keep your children and pets inside the home and away from the windows. Be prepared for an emergency and listen to your local radio station for regular storm updates. By following these guidelines, you are less likely to suffer severe storm damage to your home and your family and pets will remain safe.