Prepare for storms and severe weather

Residents survey the damage from a tornado that hit Bunbury, WA in May 2024. (ABC South West WA: Alex Govan)

Don't underestimate severe weather. A thunderstorm that hit South-East Queensland in December 2023 had wind speeds similar to a severe tropical cyclone and caused flash flooding, landslips and lengthy power outages.

There isn't always time to prepare once a thunderstorm is moving towards your area. Act now to reduce the risk of damage to your home and property and keep your animals safe.

Preparing for storm season

Get your home ready — check fences, roofs and gutters; make any repairs that are needed.
Clean gutters and downpipes regularly; secure loose roof tiles/sheets.
Trim branches that could damage your home or nearby powerlines.
Make preparations to tie down equipment like trampolines and barbecues, have ropes and ties ready and ensure everyone in the house knows where they are kept.
Check your home, contents and car insurance is current and covers your assets adequately.
Identify which room is the strongest part of the house in case you need to shelter in your home during a severe thunderstorm. Usually this would be the smallest room in the house with the fewest windows.
Get the Bureau of Meteorology weather app on your phone and bookmark the BOM warnings page and radar on computers so you can track storms in your area. Using the Notifications setting in the BOM app, select your area to receive alerts on the latest storm warnings.

SES staff with a well-prepared cyclone kit which has a generator, water, food, torches, radio, batteries and important documents — Check your emergency kit is ready if storms are forecast in your area.(ABC North Qld: Nathalie Fernbach)

If storms are forecast ...

Move cars under cover and away from trees
If you can’t get your car under cover, use hail covers or firmly tied blankets
Put away or secure loose items like outdoor furniture, pot plants and play equipment
Create a safe place for your pets out of the storm
Protect your electrical appliances from possible damage from outages. Use surge protectors or turn them off at the power point
Check your emergency kit is ready
Check your battery-powered radio works and is tuned to your local ABC Radio frequency
Check on neighbours, friends and family members to see if they are safe and prepared 
Figure out where the storm is coming from and think about which areas will provide the most shelter

Make a storm plan for your livestock

Emergency agencies say planning ahead is the best way to keep livestock safe during storms.

Do a risk assessment of your property — Identify areas of your property least likely to flood.
Identify hazards — Think about potential hazards (e.g. powerlines, trees).
Do your research — What direction do most storm fronts come from in your area? Where can animals shelter from storms?
Stay up to date with weather forecasts — Move stock early if storms and severe weather are likely.
Know where your livestock can shelter — Can they stay in their usual paddock? Are there parts of your property where flooding is less likely?
Ask for help — Write a list of people and organisations who can help you with your animals if there's a warning issued.
Tell someone your plan — Tell your immediate family as well as friends and neighbours about your plan.

Emergency services

If storms or cold weather are likely to affect livestock such as lambs and sheep, a warning to graziers will be issued.

For assistance with storm damage, call the SES on 132 500. If your life is at risk, call triple-0.

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