|
 Home
> Disasters > Severe
Storms > What you should do
 
What
you should do
At
the beginning of the storm season (September)
There are
a number of simple things that you and your family can do to stay
safe and protect your property.
What
you should do:
|
•
|
Check
that your home is in a sound condition, especially the roof
and eaves. |
|
•
|
Trim
any tree branches hanging over your roof. |
|
•
|
Clear
your property of any loose items that may blow about. |
|
•
|
Check
that you have adequate household and contents insurance and
which hazards are not covered by the policy. |
Prepare an
emergency kit containing:
|
•
|
A portable
radio, torch and spare batteries; |
|
•
|
A first
aid kit, manual and masking tape for windows; |
|
•
|
Plastic
sheeting, timber strips, a hammer and nails. |
|
•
|
A list
of emergency phone numbers handy, including numbers for your
local Police, Fire, Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Local
Council, Gas and Electricity Company and Relatives. |
When a severe storm approaches
What
you should do:
|
•
|
Listen
to your local radio station for regular storm 'Advice' and
'Warnings'. |
|
•
|
Shelter
and secure pets and animals. |
|
•
|
Move
outdoor items, garden furniture, toys etc. inside. Fill your
bins with water, or place them in your swimming pool. |
|
•
|
Shelter
vehicles or cover with tied tarpaulins/blankets. |
|
•
|
Secure
doors and windows and draw the curtains/blinds. |
|
•
|
Place
valuables, medications, and warm clothing in plastic bags
along with your emergency kit. |
|
•
|
Disconnect
electrical items and outside TV/radio aerials. |
When the storm strikes
What
you should do:
|
•
|
Stay
inside. Shelter well clear of windows and skylights. |
|
•
|
If the
building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part
(eg cellar, internal hallway, bathroom), under a mattress,
doona, a strong table or bench. |
|
•
|
Continue
to listen to your portable radio for storm updates. If you
are outdoors, seek shelter in a solid enclosed area - do not
shelter under a tree. |
|
•
|
If you
are driving, stop your vehicle clear of trees, powerlines
and streams. |
|
•
|
Don't
use a fixed telephone during a thunderstorm - it may deliver
an electric shock. |
After the storm
What
you should do:
|
•
|
Continue
to listen to your local radio station for official warnings
and advice. |
|
•
|
Check
your home for damage to windows, walls or the roof. Temporarily
cover any damage with the plastic sheeting and wood strips
in your emergency kit. |
|
•
|
If you
need help call your local Police or State Emergency Service. |
|
•
|
If you
don't need help, see if your neighbours (particularly elderly
and people with a disability) need any help. |
|
•
|
Beware
of fallen powerlines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded
watercourses. |
|
•
|
Don't
go sightseeing and try to discourage others from doing so. |
Further information about severe
storms:
Bureau of
Meteorology
www.bom.gov.au/info/thunder/
Emergency
Management Australia: Community Information
www.ema.gov.au/3managementcomminfo/community/stormsa
Storm News:
Australian Thunderstorms
www.australiasevereweather.com/storm_news
|
