20STEPS TO STORM READINESS
Ahead of storm season, use this checklist to ensure you’re prepared for an emergency
CHECK YOUR GUTTERS
Clean gutters and downpipes so water can drain away quickly.
CHECK ROOF CONDITION
Check your roof for damaged or loose tiles, or raised corners of corrugated sheets. A roof in good repair will be more likely to withstand a storm.
TRIM TREES AND OVERHANGING BRANCHES
Trim overgrown tree branches and remove or secure loose items around the garden which could become projectiles during high winds. Do not attempt to trim trees near powerlines.
ENSURE INSURANCE IS CURRENT
Ensure your home, contents and car insurance is current and covers your assets adequately. Check your policy includes debris clean up and
disposal.
BRACE YOUR ROLLER DOOR
If you have a garage door, back your car against the inside of the door to help prevent it buckling in high winds.
TIDY YOUR YARD
Storm season comes around at the same time every year, so be prepared for the worst by cleaning your yard. Trim overgrown tree branches which could land on your roof. Fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations or loose fittings around the house. Take any rubbish to the tip. Put away loose items such as children’s toys which can become missiles in a storm.
SANDBAGS
Stock up on sandbags in case flood warnings are issued. These can be made by filling hessian bags with sand and are a good way to ensure flood waters don’t damage your property.
EMERGENCY PLAN
Before storm season approaches, ensure you have an emergency plan in place. What would you do if the storm hits? What do you need to organise to ensure the safety of yourself and your home? Make sure that everyone in your household is aware of the plan.
EMERGENCY KIT
Ahead of storm season, purchase a waterproof storage box and pack it with everything you might need in an emergency. Start with a well-stocked first aid kit. Include a torch or a battery-powered lantern and include enough spare batteries or charging devices to last at least three days. Pack a tool kit. You’ll also need: plastic sheeting, duct tape, wide masking tape for windows, a tarpaulin, rope, buckets and a cleanup kit. Pack personal supplies such as toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent. If you have an infant, ensure you have enough nappies. Include a week’s supply of prescription medication, prescription glasses if necessary, a spare Medic-alert bracelet, syringes and measuring cups and an Epipen if needed.
EVACUATION PLAN
In the event of an evacuation, make sure you’re adequately prepared. Ensure you know where your emergency kit is and research the safest evacuation route in the event of flooding, bushfires or storms. Do you know where your nearest emergency shelter is?
SPARE SUPPLY OF FUEL
You might be forced to evacuate at short notice, so ensure that during storm season you have adequate supplies of fuel handy. It’s likely that fuel stations will be low on resources or closed in the event of an emergency.
SECURE WINDOWS AND DOORS
Secure doors, windows and any awnings you have in the house. Covering windows with plywood can be a good last minute protection. If you have a shed or garage, be sure to do the same.
CLEANWATER
Store clean water in buckets and the bath tub to be used if a town water shortage occurs. Ahead of storm season, keep clean water in sealed containers, storing at least 2.5 to 3 litres of drinking water for each person, or enough to last three days. If you have a pet put aside clean water for them, too, and any food they may require.
CHECK ON NEIGHBOURS
Think about people in your neighbourhood who may need your assistance, including the elderly, those with a disability and those that live alone. Plan how the neighbourhood could work together before and after a disaster.
ROUND UP YOUR LIVESTOCK
Ensure your livestock are secure in storm-safe paddocks with reliable fencing, out of the way of trees which may fall during a severe seather event, or shelters which may come loose. Ensure they’re tagged with your details in case they escape from your property.
TURN OFF ELECTRICITY AND GAS MAINS
Also disconnect electrical appliances in and around your home.
SECURE OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Where possible, move outdoor furniture or children’s play equipment to a safe place indoors or in a shed to prevent it from being swept away in winds and causing more damage.
MOVE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Raise household items and furniture above ground level if it is in danger of being damaged by flood waters.
BATTERIES
Keep spare batteries, canned non-perishable food, can opener, water and blankets handy and identify a shelter room in your house if evacuation isn’t possible.
TUNE INTO WARNINGS
Tune your battery-powered radio to your local station to listen for weather warning updates.