From May to October each year, severe storms and heavy rain can cause major destruction to the southern half of Western Australia.
Storms are the most common natural hazard in Australia - and unfortunately, they can be wildly unpredictable. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to help protect your house and car from potential storm damage.
Days before a storm hits
Trim trees and shrubs
To prevent them from falling and causing damage, trim low-hanging branches on trees around your property and also trim shrubs and other foliage that could clog gutters.
Secure outdoor objects
Check for any loose outdoor objects on your property, such as furniture or outdoor play equipment, and either store or tie them to avoid them being blown around and causing more damage. Wind-borne objects can blow into power lines and cause damage.
Keep your pet under shelter
If your pets are kept outdoors, make sure they have adequate shelter in case you’re not at home when a storm hits.
Create an emergency kit
To be prepared for potential power outages or electrical issues within your home have an emergency kit. Items within your storm kit could include a torch with spare batteries, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio and a power bank which can store power to charge up devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptop computers.
In case of a power outage, make sure your phone is fully charged before a storm approaches. Western Power's live power outages map is a good resource for checking outage-affected suburbs.
Move your car under shelter
Whenever your car is parked at home, if possible, make sure it’s parked in a garage or under a carport.
If you are unable to park your car under shelter at home, consider parking close to a building which can offer partial protection from high winds and rain. Avoid parking your car under or near large trees due to risk of them falling in the storm and damaging your vehicle.
Monitor your electrical appliances
If there is lightning or you've lost power, unplug and turn off your electrical appliances, and avoid using your landline telephone as it could deliver an electric shock.
If flood waters are expected, move your appliances to a higher spot in your house.
When a storm hits
Use sandbags if there's a flood risk
In the event of flooding, DIY sandbags can be made by filling plastic bags or pillow cases with sand.
If you're away from home, find appropriate shelter
If you find yourself outdoors when a storm hits, be sure to take shelter away from any trees, power lines, metal objects, stormwater drains, rivers, creeks or streams.
If you're driving, pull over
As per the SES storm guidelines, if you're driving during a storm, pull over and park until them storm passes. Ideally, avoid parking near large trees or power lines.
Weeks before a storm hits
Clear your gutters, downpipes and drains
Blockages in gutters and downpipes can cause rainwater to overflow into a house’s roof cavity so it’s essential to clear your gutters, pipes and drains at least once a year to avoid a leaky roof, overflow or water damage.
Clear tree branches that are close to overhanging power lines
Engage a qualified contractor to ensure large, overhanging tree branches that are near power lines or parts of your home's exterior are cleared and well-maintained.
Fix any roof damage
It’s important to check your roof for signs of damage once every 12 months. Damages may range from impacted roof sheeting to broken tiles, or damage to the insulation inside of your roof.
While these routine checks are an adequate short-term fix, it’s a good idea to have your roof professionally inspected every five to seven years. This will enable more complex issues to be identified and remedied.
Take photos of your car's interior and exterior
Before a storm hits, it’s a good idea to have images of your car’s interior and exterior in case you need to make an insurance claim.
Revise your home and contents insurance
Regularly review and adjust your home and contents cover to include new renovations and additions around your house to ensure you're not left out of pocket if you do experience storm damage. This could include swimming pools, porches, sheds or new appliances or products.
After a storm
Assess property damage and take photos
If your home was damaged during a storm, take photos in case they're needed for insurance claims but be cautious around debris and structural damage.
Keep in mind that if you attempt any repairs yourself, especially if you cause further damage, it may not be covered under your insurance policy.
If you have major damage such as a collapsed roof or ceiling where you need urgent assistance, contact the State Emergency Service (SES). They can help with temporary emergency repairs, but cannot clear debris or organise permanent repairs. Contact your insurer for permanent repairs.
Check and report fallen power lines
If a storm has brought a power line down near your home and you're close to your phone, call 000 immediately and wait for Western Power to arrive and make the area safe. If you're unable to reach your phone, stay where you are and wait for passers-by to report the incident for you.
Remember, anyone reporting the incident must stay at least eight metres away from the damaged power line.
In case of an emergency
Critical assistance: State Emergency Services (SES) 132 500
Weather warnings: Bureau of Meteorology bom.gov.au or 1300 659 213
Road conditions: Main Roads 138 138
Damaged power lines: Western Power 13 13 51
Emergencies only: Police, Fire or Ambulance 000
Vehicle breakdown: RAC Roadside Assistance 13 11 11
Have you experienced storm damage?
RAC Insurance can help you get back on your feet after a destructive storm. Our local claims team are ready to help, seven days a week.
Find out more
Last updated May 2020
This article was originally published in November 2018 and was updated in October 2021.
- Storms are one of Australia’s most frequent natural hazards, with 5,000 recorded in the last 10 years
- The peak period for severe storms is October to March, but storms can occur anytime, including when you’re not at home
- Taking five key steps can minimise storm damage and help you ride out the worst of the weather.
Australia is no stranger to wild weather, and storms top the list of our most frequent major natural hazards.
That’s why it’s important to know how to prepare for a storm when a weather alert is issued by the relevant authorities. A few steps taken early on, can help protect you, your home and your belongings.
Australian storm facts
Severe storms hit Australia with surprising frequency. Between 2010 and 2020, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recorded over 5,000 severe storms, which is an average of 500 storms annually. Many more storms go unreported because they occur over unpopulated areas or were not reported.
While the peak thunderstorm period is October to March, severe storms can occur any time. One of Australia’s most costly thunderstorms hit the eastern suburbs of Sydney in April 1999, causing $1.7 billion in insurance claims – a figure that would rise to $3.3 billion today.
Storm damage can arise from multiple factors – not just heavy rainfall, but also hail, lightning, strong winds and flash flooding. A good storm safety plan should address all these possibilities, so that you’re storm-ready before danger strikes.
5 storm preparation tips
Wild weather can stir up quickly, so it makes sense to have your storm safety plan in place long before dark clouds start rolling over the horizon. Here are five steps which may help you stay safe during storm season.
1. Keep gutters, downpipes and drains clean
Leaves and other debris can build up in gutters, blocking downpipes during heavy rainfall. Overflowing water can damage your home’s foundations, tear gutters from roofs and lead to mould and structural damage.
Prevent this happening by regularly cleaning out gutters. It’s also a chance to check for missing roof tiles or loose sheet cladding that could break away in high winds.
2. Trim overhanging tree branches
Keeping garden trees healthy can prevent damage caused by falling branches and boughs – or even uprooted trees.
Check local council guidelines for trimming trees – and leave big jobs to the professionals. Calling in a qualified tree surgeon can be a far safer option than tackling the task yourself.
3. Secure any loose items
Severe storms can be accompanied by wind gusts in excess of 90 kilometres per hour, turning everyday objects such as garden furniture into dangerous projectiles. In a 2019 storm, a trampoline pierced the roof of a Hobart home after being picked up by strong winds.
As part of your storm preparation, secure outdoor items and move cars undercover, or at least parked away from trees.
Remember, storms can hit while you’re not at home, so aim to keep outdoor areas tidy, and stow away items likely to be picked up by strong winds, rather than leaving them out in the open.
4. Have an emergency storm kit
Storms can leave you without power and water, potentially for several days. Having an emergency kit ready can help you get by until services are restored. Your storm kit should include medications, a torch and portable radio, spare batteries, first-aid kit, supplies of food and drinking water, blankets and clothing. Your kit can also include important documents stored in waterproof containers.
5. Stay safe as the storm approaches
As the storm draws closer, close doors and windows and bring pets inside. Unplug electrical appliances and aerials and switch appliances off at the circuit board.
Storms often pass quickly, and it can be tempting to watch the action but it’s best to stay away from windows in case of flying debris. Instead, monitor the radio or internet for local weather updates.
Tips to help reduce the risk of lightning strikes
- Always use appropriately recommended surge protection outlets throughout your house
- If your home is in an exposed location, consider installing a lightning protection system and an emergency back up power source.
Tips to help reduce the risk of strong winds
- Perform regular maintenance on tile or sheet cladding to avoid parts of your roof lifting off
- Fit windows and skylights with security mesh or durable insect screens along with storm shutters if necessary
- Plant trees to form a windbreak on rural properties, ensuring trees are a safe distance from your home.
State by state storm warning information
The BOM issues severe thunderstorm warnings on social media. Regularly check the BOM website or for automated weather warnings for all states and territories call 1300 659 210.
If you’ve been impacted by a major storm and need help, the number for State Emergency Services is the same across all states and territories – call 132 500 no matter where you are in Australia. Here are links to the websites of state-based emergency services:
Home and contents cover is essential
Australia’s high level of storm activity makes it essential to have up-to-date home insurance, or contents insurance if you’re renting.
The good news is that when you have QBE Home Insurance or QBE Contents Insurance, you don’t need to worry about insurance paperwork getting damaged in a storm. All we need is your name and phone number to get the ball rolling if you need to make a claim.