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Storm preparation

Exterior of modern house with blue sky in the background.
Natural disasters like storms and cyclones can cause damage to homes, cars and the environment. Stay safe and reduce damage to your home by simply being prepared.

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 dateEnsure 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 preparation checklist (PDF, 415KB) for tasks you can do around your home to be prepared.

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 (PDF, 583KB).

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 storm safe. Find your local emergency service details below.

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:

  • Portable radio
  • Waterproof torch
  • Batteries
  • Masking tape
  • First aid kit
  • Utility knife
  • Tie down straps
  • Rope
  • Ladder
  • Hammer and nails
  • Timber boards
  • Saw
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Waterproof bags
  • Water purifier
  • Water containers
  • Buckets
  • Broom
  • Mop
  • Cleaning products

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.