Prepare your home for storms

Storm and cyclone protection: be prepared

Most storm damage to home occurs from:

• Loose and broken roof materials
• Fallen trees and branches
• Flooding caused by blocked gutters and downpipes

Preparation checklist

Use this quick and easy checklist to prepare your home for a storm:

• Check your roof and gutters are in good condition with no breakages or loose roof tiles
• Ensure your gutters are clear of leaves and rubbish; installing leaf guards to your gutters can help reduce maintenance
• Trim branches near your home and hire a contractor to clear trees away from power lines
• Ensure your family understands storms and cyclones and the associated risks
• Prepare an emergency relocation plan in case your home becomes uninhabitable
• Clearly display a list of emergency phone numbers
• Prepare an emergency kit with portable radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
• Know how to turn off your home’s gas, electricity and water supplies
• When a storm is forecast:
  • Ensure that all loose materials around your home are secured, e.g. outdoor furniture, kids play equipment etc.
  • Ensure your emergency kit is up to date
  • Ensure your pets and animals are in a safe place.
  • Move your vehicles under cover

If you are away from your home you should contact family or friends to ensure your home is secure. Download our Storm Preparations Checklist for tasks you can do around your home to be prepared.

Storm Preparation Checklist

How to prepare for a storm

It can be difficult to know what to do in the event of a storm. Use our simple tips on how to prepare, what to do when a storm is forecast, how to respond during a storm and how to manage the clean-up. This can be found in our helpful brochure.

How to Prepare for a Storm Brochure

Your local emergency service can give you advice on what to do in the event of a storm or cyclone in your area and information on how you can be safe. Find your local emergency service details below.

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management   

Storms and cyclone emergency kit

If you live in a cyclone prone area it is very important that you sit with your family and prepare a plan.

Having an emergency kit on hand with everything you need can also assist the family in a time of panic. Bunnings has a range of products to help you create a cyclone preparation emergency kit: