Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to accessibility page Skip to search input

Storm preparation checklist

Storm preparation checklist

Storms can hit at any time, often without warning. Getting prepared well in advance could make all the difference to how you cope before and after the forces of nature hit.

Get your garden in order

If a storm hits, anything can become a potential missile – from garden furniture to the kids’ trampoline. Take a walk around your property and identify anything that would need to be tied down or moved inside should a severe storm hit. If you’re heading away on holiday, make sure you’re prepared should a storm hit while you’re away.

Check the roof

Make a point of checking your roof every year and act on any needed repairs straight away (think broken or cracked tiles). You’ll also need to check inside your roof space to see if there is any damage to the waterproof insulation membrane. If you can see light shining through, there’s a good chance there’s a leak.

You should also check your roof for damage after any major weather events, such as hailstorms.

Clear out gutters and drains

It’s vital you keep gutters and downpipes clear as any overflow caused by a blockage could overflow into the roof. Back on ground level, make sure any drains are kept clear as well – if they’ve been covered up with pot plants (as often happens in courtyards), move them out of the way if heavy rain is on the way.

Trees

Strong winds can tear off branches and topple or uproot trees. Are there any potentially dangerous trees near your place? If so, first up you’ll need to check with your local council about any guidelines and necessary consent forms to trim or remove any trees. Once you’ve checked in with council and gotten the permission you need (if any), get a qualified arborist to trim or remove the trees as required.

If a storm is on the way, make sure you park your car away from trees.

Make sure your insurance is up to date

Do you have adequate insurance? Check that you’ve got the appropriate level of cover and that it covers any types of events that could happen in your location. These could include storm water runoffs, flash flooding and damage caused by fallen trees.

Have an emergency kit that’s ready to go

When a storm hits, you might not get a chance to get any emergency supplies together, so the best time to get it sorted is now. Your emergency kit should contain all the necessary items you’d need should power or water supply get cut off, or should you need to evacuate in a hurry. Make sure it’s all stored in a watertight container.

Have a plan – and make sure everyone knows it

Storms move on their own timetable, so there’s a chance not everyone in your household will be together should one hit. Have a plan for how you’ll get in touch and where you can meet up. Just as important – make sure all members of your household know the plan.

 

 

The Detail

Any financial product advice provided on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Before making a decision, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), supplementary PDS (if applicable) and Target Market Determination (TMD). To see some of the events covered and not covered, please refer to the Key Facts Sheet (KFS)

Home and Contents Insurance is issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Bank of Melbourne – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233714 (the Bank) arranges the initial issue of the insurance under a distribution agreement with Allianz but does not guarantee the insurance.

By selecting 'Get a quote' you will enter a third-party site hosted by Allianz. Any personal information you provide to Allianz will be collected, used and disclosed in accordance with Allianz’s Privacy Statement and Privacy Policy available on their website

If you purchase Home and Contents Insurance with Allianz the Bank will receive a commission of up to 12% of the premium excluding Government fees and charges, plus GST.

Bank of Melbourne's Privacy Statement is available at bankofmelbourne.com.au/privacy/privacy-statement or by calling 13 22 66. It covers:​

  • How you can access the personal information Bank of Melbourne holds about you and ask for it to be corrected;​
  • How you can complain about a breach of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) or a registered Code by Bank of Melbourne and how Bank of Melbourne will deal with your complaint; and​
  • How Bank of Melbourne collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information in more detail.