1. Understand the Weather Risks Around Your Home

Different types of severe weather create different risks. A tropical cyclone can produce destructive winds, intense rainfall, storm surge and dangerous coastal conditions. Severe thunderstorms can bring damaging gusts, hail, flash flooding and lightning, sometimes with very little warning.

Your preparation should reflect your property, local terrain and the hazards identified by your council and emergency services.

Contact your local council to ask about flood mapping, cyclone exposure, local drainage problems and evacuation arrangements. Do not assume that a property is safe simply because it has not experienced serious damage in the past.

Official weather information is available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

2. Inspect and Maintain Your Roof

The roof is one of the most exposed parts of a home during severe weather. Loose roofing materials, corroded fasteners and damaged flashing can allow water to enter or worsen under strong winds.

What to check

• Look for visible damage, loose roof sheets, broken tiles and deteriorated flashing.
• Check for water stains or signs of leaks in ceilings and roof spaces.
• Inspect gutters and downpipes for blockages, sagging sections and loose connections.
• Arrange repairs to loose eaves, roof screws and other exposed fittings.
• Check that external doors and windows close securely.

For homes in cyclone-prone regions, ask a qualified building professional whether the roof connections, structural fixings and other important components are appropriate for the local wind conditions.

Safety warning: Do not climb onto a roof when it is wet, windy or unstable. Avoid climbing ladders during a storm warning. Arrange professional inspection and repairs well before severe weather develops.

3. Secure Your Yard and Outdoor Structures

During strong winds, everyday outdoor objects can become dangerous projectiles. Securing them before a warning escalates can help protect people, buildings and neighbouring properties.

Items to secure or store

• Outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas and lightweight decorations.
• Garbage and recycling bins, garden tools and loose building materials.
• Trampolines, portable play equipment and lightweight shade structures.
• Plant pots, hanging baskets and objects on balconies.
• Caravans, trailers, boats and other movable equipment.
• Loose items in sheds, carports and outdoor storage areas.

Move smaller objects into a secure building where possible. Secure larger items using suitable methods recommended by the manufacturer or a qualified professional. Do not attempt to move heavy objects outdoors after dangerous winds have started.

Trees and branches

Inspect trees for dead limbs, obvious damage and branches close to structures or power lines. Use a qualified arborist for hazardous branches and contact your electricity provider if vegetation threatens electrical infrastructure. Check council requirements before removing or heavily pruning trees.

4. Protect Windows, Doors and Glass Areas

Windows and glass doors can be vulnerable to wind pressure and flying debris. The right protection depends on your home, local building requirements and the severity of the expected conditions.

• Check that window and door locks work properly.
• Maintain approved shutters or cyclone screens where installed.
• Ask a qualified professional about suitable upgrades for exposed windows and doors.
• Keep curtains or blinds closed when appropriate, but do not treat them as structural protection.
• Move furniture and valuables away from large windows if severe weather threatens.

Ordinary adhesive tape on glass is not a reliable substitute for approved cyclone shutters or impact protection. Do not rely on taped windows to prevent glass breakage. Follow local emergency advice about suitable temporary protection.

If a warning has been issued, avoid standing near windows to watch the storm. Move to the safest available internal area and follow the instructions from emergency services.

5. Reduce the Risk of Water Entering Your Home

Heavy rain can overwhelm drains, flood low-lying areas and cause water to enter through doors, garages and damaged roofs. Prepare drainage systems before storm season and know how your property responds to heavy rainfall.

• Clean gutters and downpipes when conditions are safe.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from accessible outdoor drains.
• Check that rainwater can flow away from the building without creating hazards for neighbouring properties.
• Store important documents, electronics and valuables above likely flood levels.
• Keep chemicals, fuels and hazardous products securely stored away from areas that may flood.
• Use suitable flood barriers or sandbags if recommended by local authorities for your situation.
• Know how to access your local flood warnings and evacuation routes.

Never enter floodwater to clear a blocked drain or recover possessions. Floodwater may conceal drains, debris, sharp objects and electrical hazards. Do not drive through floodwater, even if it appears shallow.

For official local guidance, visit your state or territory emergency service. The NSW State Emergency Service home preparation guide provides practical advice for storm and flood readiness.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Household

A storm can interrupt electricity, water, mobile coverage, internet access and deliveries. Keep essential supplies together in a place that is easy to reach, and prepare a separate bag that you can take quickly if evacuation becomes necessary.

Plan supplies for everyone in your household, including enough drinking water and food for several days if you could become isolated. Australian emergency guidance commonly recommends at least three litres of drinking water per person per day as a starting point; additional water may be needed in hot conditions, for cooking, hygiene or medical needs.

Check expiry dates regularly, replace used items and keep batteries charged. Store the kit somewhere accessible rather than in an area that could be flooded or blocked by debris.

7. Make a Household Emergency Plan

Everyone in the household should know what to do if a cyclone or severe storm approaches. A written plan is particularly important when family members may be at work, school or different locations when warnings are issued.

Your plan should cover

• Where everyone will meet if you become separated.
• Who will contact relatives or other emergency contacts.
• Where you will shelter if it is safe to remain inside.
• Where you will go if an evacuation is advised or ordered.
• Which routes you will use and what alternative route may be available.
• How children, older household members and people needing assistance will be supported.
• How pets will be transported and where they can safely stay.
• How to turn off electricity, gas or water only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Choose an emergency contact who lives outside your immediate area, where practical. Keep the plan printed as well as stored digitally, because mobile networks and electricity may fail.

Do not assume that every house is safe to shelter in during a cyclone. If your home is not built or maintained to withstand the expected conditions, or local authorities direct evacuation, follow the official instructions and leave while routes are safe.

8. Check Insurance and Record Your Belongings

Insurance can be important when recovering from storm or cyclone damage, but policies vary in what they cover. Review your home, contents and vehicle insurance before severe weather season rather than waiting until a warning is issued.

• Confirm the insured amount is sufficient to repair or rebuild your home and replace belongings.
• Check exclusions, excesses, waiting periods and definitions relating to storm, flood and storm surge.
• Understand whether temporary accommodation, debris removal and damaged contents are covered.
• Photograph valuable possessions and keep purchase records where available.
• Store policy numbers and insurer contact details in a secure digital and offline location.
• Check how to report damage and what evidence your insurer may request.

Do not assume that storm damage and flood damage are treated identically in every policy. Ask your insurer to explain any exclusions or limits that may affect your property.

For additional information on disaster preparedness and financial planning, visit Moneysmart: How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster.

9. Protect Children, Older People and Pets

Some household members may need extra time, assistance or specialised supplies during an emergency. Plan these arrangements before a warning is issued.

Children and older family members

• Explain the household plan in simple, calm language.
• Pack necessary medicines, mobility aids, hearing aids and spare batteries.
• Include baby formula, nappies, comfort items and suitable food where required.
• Arrange transport or assistance in advance for anyone who may have difficulty evacuating.
• Identify how to keep essential medical equipment powered if electricity is interrupted.

Pets and assistance animals

• Prepare carriers, leads, food, water, medications and familiar supplies.
• Keep identification tags and registration details up to date.
• Identify pet-friendly accommodation or suitable evacuation arrangements.
• Never leave a pet in a location where rising water or severe winds could trap it.
• Follow local emergency advice about animal evacuation and shelter access.

If a household member relies on powered medical equipment, contact their healthcare provider or equipment supplier before storm season to discuss safe backup arrangements.

10. What to Do When a Cyclone or Severe Storm Warning Is Issued

When severe weather is approaching, focus on immediate safety rather than last-minute home repairs. Conditions can deteriorate quickly, and it may become unsafe to travel or work outdoors.

Before conditions deteriorate

• Read the latest Bureau of Meteorology forecast and official local emergency warnings.
• Complete safe, outstanding preparations and secure loose items before dangerous winds arrive.
• Charge devices and keep emergency lighting and the radio ready.
• Move vehicles to a safe location if advised and if the route remains safe.
• Follow official advice about evacuation, shelters and travel restrictions.
• Keep your emergency kit and important documents ready to take.

If you are told to evacuate

Leave as early as directed and use the recommended route. Do not wait for floodwater to reach your property or for winds to become destructive. Take your emergency kit, essential medicines, identification and pets where safe and permitted.

Do not enter floodwater or attempt to drive across a flooded road. If you cannot evacuate safely, contact emergency services and follow their instructions.

11. Where to Shelter During the Storm

If local authorities advise you to shelter indoors and your home is considered suitable for the expected conditions, move to the safest available internal area before the weather becomes dangerous.

• Choose a small, enclosed room with few or no windows, following local emergency advice.
• Stay away from windows, glass doors and external walls where possible.
• Keep a torch, radio, charged phone, first-aid supplies and emergency kit nearby.
• Wear sturdy footwear in case glass or debris breaks inside the building.
• Keep children and pets close and remain alert to official updates.

If the building is damaged or begins to fail, protect yourself from falling debris using the safest available substantial cover and follow emergency instructions. A calm period during a cyclone does not necessarily mean the danger has passed; destructive winds can return. Remain sheltered until authorities say it is safe to leave.

Never shelter in a location exposed to storm surge or flooding when authorities have advised evacuation. A room that is safe from wind may still be unsafe if water can rise around it.

12. What to Do After the Cyclone or Severe Storm

Conditions can remain dangerous after the strongest winds or rain have passed. Fallen power lines, unstable trees, damaged buildings and floodwater may create serious hazards.

• Wait for official advice before leaving your shelter or returning to an evacuated area.
• Stay away from fallen power lines and report hazards to the relevant authority.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until they are considered safe.
• Avoid floodwater, unstable trees, damaged roads and debris-filled areas.
• Use caution with generators, fuel, gas appliances and electrical equipment.
• Photograph damage when it is safe and contact your insurer to begin the claim process.
• Follow official advice about drinking water, food safety and cleanup.

Never operate a petrol or diesel generator, barbecue or fuel-burning heater inside a home, garage or enclosed space. These devices can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Use them only outdoors, well away from doors, windows and air intakes, in accordance with the manufacturer instructions.

If there is an immediate threat to life, call Triple Zero (000). For non-life-threatening assistance and recovery information, use your state or territory emergency service channels.

13. A Simple Home Preparation Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions