Storm safety at home

It has certainly been wet and wild here in Perth over the past couple of days, and with just over a month left in winter, we are sure to be hit by more wooly weather before spring makes a welcome appearance.

While we can definitely use the rain, wild storms can unfortunately cause damage to our homes if we do not take precautions before the weather hits.

Thanks to DFES, here are some tips on how to prepare your home before the next front hits and how to stay safe during bad weather:

• Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car and hire a contractor to clear trees from powerlines.
• Check your roof and gutters for damage or loose material. Replace any damaged or missing tiles.
• Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves and blockages so they don’t over flow after heavy rain.
• Store or weigh down loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture, playground equipment and sheds.
• Prepare an emergency kit with a portable battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and a first aid kit.
• Be aware that after a bad storm services such as power, telephones lines, water, sewerage and gas may not work.
• Prepare an emergency kit and an emergency plan including a relocation plan in case your home becomes flooded after heavy rain or flash flooding:
• Consider what you will do with your pets
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies
• Display a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Keep up to date with the latest information before, during and after a storm:
• Visit the alerts page on the DFES website
• For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213
• Monitor the radio, television or internet
• Check you have adequate home and content insurance. Regularly review your cover to take into consideration renovations, fixtures and additions such as swimming pools, sheds, gazebos or new appliances.

When a storm is due to hit, take the following precautions to keep yourself, your family and your possessions as safe as possible:

• Park vehicles and boats under shelter.
• Charge your mobile phone to ensure you have reception.
• Store or weigh down loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury.
• Ensure your emergency kit is complete including a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
• Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area.
• Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
• If you are away from home contact family or friends to prepare your property.
• Construction site workers should store loose building material and tie down sheds.
• Boat owners should securely moor their boats or make sure they are protected on land.
• Campers should find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.