Preparing for a Storm

Overview

Storms are common in Victoria. Most minor damage is preventable with simple actions to prepare your home.

Danger from storms come from:

  • wind
  • heavy or continuous rain 
  • flooding
  • lightning
  • flying debris
  • hail
  • fallen powerlines
  • loss of power
  • trees

Make sure you create a plan so that you are prepared for a storm emergency.

Types of storm warnings

There are two type of storm warnings:

Severe Weather Warnings

These warnings are issued to alert communities when severe weather is forecast to occur in an area or move towards an area. The warning will describe the area under threat and what hazards to expect.

Examples of a severe weather warnings may include:
  • sustained winds of gale force (63km/h or more)
  • wind gusts of 90km/h or more
  • very heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding
  • high tides
  • large surf waves expected to cause dangerous conditions on the coast.
 
You can visit the Bureau of Meteorology website to learn more about Severe Weather Warnings. 


Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

These warnings alert communities of forecasted or developing dangerous thunderstorm conditions.

These condition could cause significant localised damage through:
  • damaging wind gusts (wind gusts exceeding 90km/h)
  • large hail
  • flash flooding from heavy rain fall
  • tornadoes.

You can visit the Bureau of Meteorology website to learn more about Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

 

Preparing your property

  • Maintain your roof – clean gutters, spouting and downpipes regularly, fix loose tiles, roofing iron and ridge capping. This can prevent water collecting in your roof and causing it to collapse.
  • Trim or remove tree branches overhanging your home.
  • Inspect and fix fences.
  • Bring inside or tie down any loose items in your yard.
  • Ensure everyone knows where, how and when to turn off the mains power, water and gas in case of emergency and evacuation.
  • Talk to your neighbours, family and friends to see what their plans are and talk about how you can help each other.
 

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