PREPARING YOUR HOME AGAINST

SEVERE  STORMS

PREPARED BY NSW STATE EMERGENCY

The hints and advice contained in thes site may help to safeguard your life and reduce damage to your

home and property should you and your family experience a severe storm

during the forthcoming storm season

Trim tree branches well clear of your house.

Check your roof and guttering are in good condition

Ensure you have a battery radio and torch in working order.

Ensure you have a first aid kit.

Check your emergency contact numbers.

WHEN THE STORM SEASON ARRIVES

Clear backyard of loose objects that could cause damage during high winds

Clean roof, guttering and downpipes.

Purchase fresh torch and radio batteries.

Check your first aid kit.

Familiarise your family with the 'storm action plan'.

Purchase masking tape, plastic sheeting and large garbage bags (see below).

HANDY HINTS FOR YOUR PROTECTION

Plastic garbage bags are useful to keep clothing and valuable possessions dry.

A roll of builders plastic sheeting, some timber strips and nails can be useful for temporary roof and window repairs.

Pre-cut plywood or masonite sheets can be used to protect large windows and glass doors.

Plastic sheeting can keep bedding, furniture and electrical equipment dry, should your roof and ceiling become damaged.

Masking tape placed in a 'cross fashion' can stop large areas of glass from shattering.

Usually, the strongest parts of a house are the internal doorways, bathrooms or cellar. Shelter in these areas (during) a severe storm) if your house begins to sustain damage.

Blankets placed over a car can reduce hail damage.

WHEN YOU CALL FOR HELP DURING AN EMERGENCY

Please assess the extent of the damage to your home and then determine the level of assistance you

believeyou require from the guide below.

IMMEDIATE

Due to a life theatening situation.

URGENT

To avoid further damage from wind and rain.

NON URGENT

Superficial damage that does not require immediate attention.

Please think of the needs of others when assessing your own emergency situation. By doing this YOU'LL

be helping those who have a greater neek than you for emergency assistance.

STORM ACTION PLAN

BE SURE THE ENTIRE FAMILY UNDERSTANDS THIS ACTION PLAN

WHEN THE STORM IS APPROACHING

Keep your radio on and listen to warnings.

Shelter and secure your pets and animals.

Place vehicles under cover.

Turn off all unnecessary electrical appliances.

WHEN THE STORM IS APPROACHING

Stay inside and shelter in the strongest part of the house (See handy hints section)

Keep clear of windows and large areas of glass.

If necessary, cover yourself with a mattress, blanket, doona or tarpaulin.

Listen to your battery radio for storm update.

Turn off all electrical appliances. Don't use the phone.

If outdoors find emergency shelter.

If driving, pull over, park until the storm passes. Keep clear of stormwater drains.

AFTER THE STORM HAS PASSED

Check your house for damage.

Listen to your radio for further warnings ans reports of damage and disruption to services.

If you need emergency assistance, consult your emergency assistance guide (Contact your local service).

If YOU don't need assistance check on your neighbour's situation.

Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and damaged trees.

Don't go sight seeing, stay at home.

Don't ignore official warnings and advice.

Keep children away from flooded drains and culverts.

Stay calm, listen to the radio for official warnings and weather updates.

Organise your family and neighbours into a self help group.

Watch for Emergency Services Units, which will check your area as soon as they can.