Severe weather can strike at any time and preparation is key to limiting damage. As supporters of the good work done by the state emergency services, we want to guide you with keeping yourself and loved ones safe in the event of a storm - because what you do now can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.
Check out our tips below.
Before a storm
Remember - in severe weather, some damage to your property can happen no matter how well you’ve prepared - make sure you’re fully insured.
- Clean gutters and down pipes and check the roof for leaks
- Sweep debris away from drains and clear any that are blocked
- Trim tree branches near the house
- If you live in a cyclone-prone area, it's a good idea to fit permanent shutters or metal screens to glass windows and doors.
If a storm is coming
- Remove loose objects that might get broken or cause damage if blown around
- Tie down, take inside, or fill with water - large, relatively light things like garbage bins and boats to stop them being blown around
- Shelter and secure your pets
- Protect vehicles or cover them with a tarpaulin or blankets - make sure you have a full tank of fuel in case you need and are able to, evacuate
- If floods are likely move outdoor equipment, cardboard boxes, garbage, chemicals and poisons to somewhere up high
- Fill your sinks and bath with fresh drinking water
- Check your emergency kit (see the relevant SES kit list by selecting your state)
- If flooding is likely, put furniture, TV, rugs, books and art as high as you can.
During the storm
The priority is to keep yourself, your family and pets safe during the storm. Learn more about what you can do to help protect your family at www.stormsafe.com.au.
After the storm
- Check your home for damage to windows, walls or roof. If you need to make a claim contact CGU on 13 24 81
- If you need emergency assistance call your local State Emergency Service by visiting the Emergency Alert website and selecting your relevant state.
- If returning to your home, make sure electricity and gas are off before going inside. If you need light, only use a torch until you're sure there's no gas around
- Remove what excess water you can and mop waterlogged carpets
- Throw out food that's been in contact with floodwater and boil water until supplies have been declared safe
- Check your smoke detectors are still working
- Don't use electrical items that are wet. Have them and gas appliances professionally tested as soon as possible.
This blog post is for general information purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product or other professional advice. You should seek your own independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making any decision about any action in relation to the material in this article. Railways Credit Union Limited trading as MOVE Bank ABN 91 087 651 090. AFSL/ Australian Credit License number 234 536 | ABN 91 087 651 Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice is general only. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you.
