Preparing an emergency kit & plan

• Your kit should include non-perishable food, matches, a first aid kit, blankets, a waterproof torch, a battery-powered radio, and plenty of fresh batteries. Don't forget to include items for pets/animals if you have them. 
• You may also want to include in your emergency kit other essential items such as identification information, medicines, mobile phone charger, bank cards and cash, spare keys, drinking water, and non-perishable food (for people and pets). 
• Plan what will happen if you need to evacuate. Consider where will you go, how will you get there, what will you do if your household isn't together. Make sure your household is familiar with the plan and don't forget to consider what you will do with pets and/or livestock in your care. 
• Make sure that important documents such as passports are stored together in a waterproof bag, in case of emergency evacuation. 
• Consider what loose outdoor items will need to be put away or secured. 
• Find out where you can get sandbags, tape for windows, and tie-down materials. 

Preparing your property 

• Ensure everyone in the household knows how to switch off the mains electricity, water, and gas supplies if required.
• Trim back any tree branches overhanging your home.
• Gutters, downpipes and drains should be cleaned regularly to allow maximum waterflow away from the roof.
• Ensure roof sheets or tiles are intact and fully secure. Check for loose tiles or cladding. 
• All loose items that are outside should either be brought inside or securely tied down.
• Check fastenings, joints, and bolts on carports and patios. 
• Ensure your Home & Contents insurance is up-to-date and covers for storm damage. Don't leave this until the last minute, as an exclusion period may apply. 

24 hours before a severe weather event

If you've had a warning that a severe weather event is on the way, take these steps immediately to limit damage.

• Trim branches to prevent them falling on your roof or vehicle. 
• Clear your gutters and downpipes to prevent overflow. 
• Secure loose objects that could get picked up and thrown by strong winds. 
• Ensure any pets and animals have somewhere safe to shelter. 
• Check your emergency kit is available and up-to-date, and that your household is across your emergency plan. 
• Move vehicles under cover and away from trees. 
• If you have a boat/vessel, remove it from the water to somewhere safe and sheltered where possible. If it's too late to remove it from the water, close all hatches and ports, stow loose items, and check mooring lines are secure. 
• Do not go swimming, camping, fishing, boating, or surfing. 

If you are inside 

• Stay inside. 
• Bring pets inside and ensure all windows are secured shut.
• Close and curtains and stay away from windows. 
• If there is lightning, unplug all electrical appliances and devices, and do not use your landline phone. 
• If your house is threatened by a storm surge, ensure the mains power and gas is switched off.
• Use sandbags if there is a risk of flooding around doors or other places water could get inside. 
• If you need help, call your local SES unit. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
• Check for conditions updates. Updates are available through a variety of channels (TV, internet, phone apps, local radio), however, as power, internet and phone services may be interrupted, a battery-operated radio will offer the most resilient means of staying up to date. ABC Local Radio provide regular updates.

If you are outside 

• If you are outside, seek shelter in a solid building or vehicle. Shelter away from trees, powerlines, metal objects, storm water drains, or rivers/creeks. 

• If your hair stands on end or you hear nearby objects buzzing, take shelter immediately (not near or under a tree). This indicates lightning is about to strike near you. 
• If shelter is unreachable, crouch down, feet together and well away from any other people. 

• Avoid driving. If you are caught out driving when a storm hits, use extreme care. Slow down, turn on lights and keep a safe distance from other drivers. If you can't see, put on your hazard lights and pull over until the storm clears. Do not drive through floodwaters. 
• If you need help, call your local SES unit. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 000.