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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:
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Check
that your home is in a sound condition, especially the roof
and eaves. |
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Trim
any tree branches hanging over your roof. |
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Clear
your property of any loose items that may blow about. |
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Check
that you have adequate household and contents insurance and
which hazards are not covered by the policy. |
Prepare an
emergency kit containing:
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A portable
radio, torch and spare batteries; |
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A first
aid kit, manual and masking tape for windows; |
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Plastic
sheeting, timber strips, a hammer and nails. |
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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:
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Listen
to your local radio station for regular storm 'Advice' and
'Warnings'. |
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Shelter
and secure pets and animals. |
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Move
outdoor items, garden furniture, toys etc. inside. Fill your
bins with water, or place them in your swimming pool. |
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Shelter
vehicles or cover with tied tarpaulins/blankets. |
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Secure
doors and windows and draw the curtains/blinds. |
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Place
valuables, medications, and warm clothing in plastic bags
along with your emergency kit. |
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Disconnect
electrical items and outside TV/radio aerials. |
When the storm strikes
What
you should do:
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Stay
inside. Shelter well clear of windows and skylights. |
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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. |
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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. |
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If you
are driving, stop your vehicle clear of trees, powerlines
and streams. |
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Don't
use a fixed telephone during a thunderstorm - it may deliver
an electric shock. |
After the storm
What
you should do:
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Continue
to listen to your local radio station for official warnings
and advice. |
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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. |
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If you
need help call your local Police or State Emergency Service. |
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If you
don't need help, see if your neighbours (particularly elderly
and people with a disability) need any help. |
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Beware
of fallen powerlines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded
watercourses. |
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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
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