1. Discuss your emergency plan
Your emergency plan should consider what you and your family will do if extreme weather strikes.
Discuss how to safely turn off your electricity, water and gas, and identify the safest room in the house to shelter in.
2. Check your insurance
Regularly check your building and contents insurance cover is adequate and up-to-date. It can help to take an inventory of your home contents, in case you need to make a claim. Generally there’s a waiting period after starting a policy before you can claim on storm damage. Check with your insurer as waiting periods varies with each insurer.
3. Create an emergency kit
Prepare an emergency kit with necessary items for during and after a storm. It could include items like first aid and medications, drinking water and non-perishable food, important documents and cash, a mobile phone and charger, and sleeping bags or blankets.
4. Prepare your home
Keeping your property well-maintained can help reduce potential damage during a storm. Clear out your gutters, down pipes and drains regularly to prevent clogs. Ensure your roof is in good condition and replace any damaged or missing tiles. Engage a qualified roofing specialist to inspect your roofing every 5-7 years, based from the SES, Stormsafe Guide.
5. Stay safe
When a storm is advancing, you could listen out for extreme weather updates on the radio or visit the Bureau of Meteorology website to stay up to date with the latest developments.
Disconnect all electrical appliances, and check that all loose items are secured or put away as summarised by SES, Stormsafe Guide.
It’s important to keep yourself safe, which could be taking shelter in the safest room of the house – or evacuate as required. If inside, it will help to stay clear of windows, doors and skylights.
