Who doesn’t love summertime in Australia? The weather is nice and we have every opportunity to spend some more time outdoors. Still with the warm weather comes the imminent threat of major storms calling for needed home protection.
So, how do you make sure your home and family stays safe in a severe storm? Here’s our tips on how to protect your home during severe weather.
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A major storm can happen at any time and anywhere, so it’s absolutely important that you make sure you’re entirely prepared. That’s why it’s recommended to get your home storm ready before the major storm season.
Australia notoriously experiences a large amount of potentially damaging storms including extreme rains, hail and strong winds. Lightning strikes, flash flooding and cyclones are a major risk for many homes.
That’s why it’s vital to make sure your home is properly prepared and that you’ve got an emergency plan in place. Not sure where to start? Follow these tips to protect your home, and your family this storm season:
Home Protection Preparation
There is a lot you can do around your home to make sure you stay safe throughout the storms. Coping with wild weather is all about knowing that you have what you need in an emergency.
General Maintenance
Be sure to keep up with your general home and garden tool maintenance, regularly checking and clearing your gutters, downpipes and roof. Pay special attention to roof tiles and loose fitting to make sure they are secured and won’t come loose in heavy winds.
Cut back any hanging trees or hanging branches near your home or any power lines around your property. Hanging trees and branches tend to get caught on fences so it is a good idea to also consider the type of fencing you'll use in your home.
Precautionary Measures
Should you know of a storm coming, be sure to anchor down any garden furniture that can blow away.
In particularly storm-prone areas, consider installing shutters or metal screens to protect your windows and add a second layer of protection.
Should you know your area is prone to flooding, consider surrounding your home with sandbags, which will help to curb the water from entering your home.
Excessive winds can also have damaging effects should your home's structure be weakened. In wind-prone areas, contact a specialist to assess the structural foundation of your home to pinpoint any weak or at risk areas.
Protect Your Power Points
In general, you should switch off all major power points during a major storm, especially if it’s an electrical storm. Locate all your major power switches ahead of time.
More so, consider installing a surge protector in your home. Surge protectors will keep your appliances safe during power outages, lightning strikes or in the case of a transformer failure.
Should you live in an area which is known to flood, relocate all sockets and power points above ground level.
Be Emergency Ready
It’s important to always keep an eye out on local weather forecasts to be adequately forewarned should a storm be brewing.
If a storm is coming your way be sure to:
- Disconnect all appliances and switch off power and gas mains.
- Close all windows and shutters.
- Park vehicles under cover to avoid hail damage.
- Gather in the strongest room in your home.
Be sure to choose a room with solid walls and no major windows. A small room on the bottom floor of your house is ideal.
It is also recommended to keep a full equipped emergency kit in your ‘safe room’.
This should include:
- A List of Local Emergency Numbers
- A Spare Pack of Batteries
- A Stocked First-Aid Kit + A Supply of any Essential Medication
- Battery Powered Lanterns
- Torches
- A Blanket
- A Car Charger for Your Phone
- A Waterproof Jacket
Some experts also recommend keeping a hammer, some nails and plastic sheeting in an accessible area for any emergency repairs.
Stay tuned to the latest updates on a battery powered radio. Avoid using the home phone as anything with copper cabling can become dangerous in an electrical storm.
Only once the storm has subsided should you go out and assess any damage around your home. Check in on your neighbours to make sure everyone is alright. Watch out for any major power lines which may be covered by debris or fallen trees.
In some cases, major storms can interrupt electricity supply, consider investing in a portable generator or a secondary power supply.
By no means should be in the shower or in a bath during a storm. In general just avoid any water altogether, even washing dishes.
Surviving a major storm is all about being prepared – and good insurance should something happen.
If you are planning on adding a granny flat to your home, it is essential to get a reliable builder so be sure to read our guide on how to select a granny flat builder in Australia.
Finishing Our Home Protection Tips
Follow these tips on how to protect your home during severe weather and you’ll be able to survive any major storm. Families should make sure they gather together in the same room.
Consider keeping some board games or books around to help keep everyone calm throughout the storm. Now that you've read our home protection tips, stay prepared. Stay Safe.
Published on December 24, 2020 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on October 25, 2023
