Simple ways to weather the storm
Heavy rain, high winds and hail can cause substantial damage to your home but it's damage that can often be prevented.
Maintaining your property is your first line of defence. Here are some weekend tasks that can make a difference should a storm strike.
- Clean gutters and downpipes and check the roof for leaks
- Sweep debris away from drains and fix any that are blocked
- Trim tree branches near the house (after checking with your local council)
- Tidy away any loose objects that could blow around
In a cyclone-prone area, it's a good idea to fit permanent shutters or at least metal screens to glass windows and doors.
Storms & cyclones checklists
Read our checklists on what do to before, during and after a storm or cyclone.
Did you know?
- Between 5 and 10 deaths are caused by lightning strikes in Australia each year.
- Cyclones in the Australian region have more erratic paths than cyclones in other parts of the world and can even make sharp turns and loops.
- A severe hailstorm in Sydney's eastern suburbs in April 1999 caused a record insurance loss of over $1.7 billion.
*Source: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
The information on this website is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as professional advice on managing specific safety risks.