Prepping your home before and during storm season can help minimise damage. Use this online checklist as guide to help prepare and secure your home.
If you prefer, you can download it to your device.
- Identify the strongest room in your home to shelter in during storms.
- Make an emergency plan in case you need to evacuate.
- Have torches ready in case there’s a power outage.
- Know reliable sources to keep yourself up to date with information and warnings.
- Check whether your neighbours need help.
- Confirm arrangements for your animals.
- Locate your emergency kit.
- Keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain away quickly.
- Trim overhanging trees and shrubs.
- Have your roof checked annually by a qualified trades person to detect any pre-existing damage and/or repairs that may be needed.
- Secure loose material around your home and yard to prevent it being carried away by strong winds.
- Move outdoor equipment, rubbish, chemicals and poisons to a higher location.
- Trim trees and branches that hang over your home. Obtain council permission if required and be careful of any overhead powerlines. Please note we don’t cover loss or damage caused by trees being lopped, felled or transplanted by you or someone you authorise.
- Fit windows with shutters or metal screens for added protection during high winds.
- Contact your local council or energy company if you think trees in your street may pose a threat to your property or powerlines.
- Locate and learn how to turn off your home’s main electricity, gas and water supply.
- If there’s no undercover parking for your car, park away from trees, powerlines, and creeks. Use firmly tied down blankets to minimise hail damage.
- Safely unplug electrical items, aerials and computer equipment to avoid damage from a power surge.
- Ensure your home, contents and car insurance are up to date.
- If anyone in your house relies on electrical equipment for medical reasons, plan in case your power is cut – it may take time to be restored.
- Take photos of your property, both inside and out. They could be helpful if you have to make an insurance claim.
- Close windows, shutters and curtains.
- Pack enough drinking water and non-perishable food for three days.
- Have a first aid kit ready.
- Pack toiletries and towels.
- Pack a torch with spare batteries.
- Pack your devices and chargers.
- Organise hand sanitiser and face masks.
- Prepare important documents and valuables, including cash.
- Don’t forget any medication and scripts.
What’s next?
Staying safe is your priority. You can start your claim process after the storm has passed.
For support before and after a storm, visit AAMI’s Storm Hub.
Disclaimer
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to aami.com.au for a copy. Target Market Determination also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it. Please make your own enquiries.