Storm Season

Storm Season - What you need to know

In NSW, Storm Season falls between September and April, although major storms can happen at any time of the year. Storms can become extremely dangerous, causing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, damaging hail and flash flooding. Learn what you can do to prepare and stay safe.

What storm damage could cost you

Over the last 12 months NSW SES volunteers have responded to more than 29,000 storm incidents with fallen trees and leaking roofs making up a large percentage of jobs.

Preparing for storm season could cost you a weekend of work around the home and yard to get ready. Not preparing could cost a lot more.

Storm Season has officially begun. Are you ready?

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How to prepare

Get Ready

Simple things that you can do now to prepare your home

Fix any damage to your roof including broken or missing tiles and any leaks.
Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains to prevent blockage.
Trim trees and branches that could potentially fall on your home or property.
Make sure your insurance is current and covers you for what you need.

Make a plan

Have a discussion with your family, friends and neighbours about what you will do if there is a storm.
Schools and businesses will have emergency plans to look after children and people. You do not need to worry about their safety.
Decide on a safe, secure and sheltered location in your home and decide on another location to go to if you need to leave. Let your family, friends and neighbours know this other location.
Know the low-lying areas that may be flooded and find safer ways to travel.
Know to find secure shelter if you are driving or outside, away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas.

In tornadoes and cyclones, know a safer place you can go to in order of preference:

A storm shelter
A basement
A small, interior room without windows in the lowest part of a sturdy building
An internal hall, room or bathroom
Under a heavy table or desk
Identify items that can be used for protection, such as mattresses and blankets.

Work with neighbours, family and friends to plan what you can do to help each other.

Get your kit together

Put together an emergency kit with items you may need in an emergency:

A list of emergency numbers
A portable battery powered radio
A battery powered torch
Spare batteries
Gloves
A first aid kit
Candles and waterproof matches
Important papers (insurance, certificates, passports, etc.)
A copy of your emergency plans
A waterproof bag

Put together an Emergency Kit

Make an emergency plan

Why you need an emergency plan

In Australia, natural disasters such as floods, fire and even earthquakes can strike without warning. During an emergency, your main aim is to ensure your Home and Business is prepared for flood, storms and tsunami. By carefully researching and planning before an emergency happens, you’ll be ready to act quickly and effectively.

Make an emergency plan

Know the warnings

The NSW SES will issue warnings for severe weather using the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warnings.

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for floods and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings.

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The Bureau of Meteorology issues Severe Weather Warnings when damaging waves or storm surge conditions are anticipated that may result in coastal erosion or inundation. These warnings are broadcast over local radio stations. Warnings are also available on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

You may not always receive an official warning. Look out for the natural signs of storms including gathering of heavy clouds, darkening skies, increasing winds, thunder, lightning and heavy rainfall.

Understand warning levels

During a storm

Do not travel unless you absolutely need to.
Secure or put away items that could blow around in strong winds.
Seek secure shelter away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas.
In a cyclone or tornado, go to a safer shelter immediately.
Move vehicles under cover, away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas.
Bring children and pets indoors and keep away from windows.
If driving, find secure shelter away from trees, powerlines, and low-lying areas Turn around at flooded roads and find a safer way to go to seek shelter.
Listen to local media for information, updates and advice.
Follow all advice from emergency services.

If you are trapped by rising flooding, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building (do not go into roof cavities) or on high ground. Stay there and call (Triple Zero) 000 if you need to be rescued. This is a life-threatening situation.

Storm recovery

After a storm

Check your house or property for damage.
Follow health and safety advice.
Seek professional assessments from qualified assessors for any damaged structures, electrical items and insurance.
Stay around your location. Sightseeing will hinder recovery efforts or put yourself and others at risk.
Avoid fallen powerlines.
Check to see if your neighbours need help.

If you need assistance from the NSW SES because you have damage to your property or access to your property is blocked, call 132 500.

In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero)

When to call the NSW SES

Electricity, gas and water safety information

Electricity, gas and water safety information

Storms and floods can damage utility networks and impact the supply of essential services like electricity, water, natural gas, sewage, and telecommunications to homes and businesses. Hazards may remain after severe weather events, so it’s important to know your risks and take adequate precautions before, during, and after an emergency.

What you can do now to get ready

It’s important to prepare your home or business to keep people and property safe. By preparing for emergencies, you can reduce the impacts and recover better.

Locate your utilities and learn how to turn off the mains supply for power, gas and water before an emergency.
If possible, consider raising power points and air-conditioning units, and have a safety switch installed by a licensed electrician and test it regularly.
Switch off and unplug outside electrical equipment like TVs and non-fixed aerials when not in use and store them in a dry area.
Consider your need for a backup power source, especially for critical appliances like medical devices.
Plan for power outages by keeping torches, extra batteries and a supply of non-electric lighting and heating options in an easily accessible location and in your Emergency Kit.
Ensure you have adequate home and contents insurance coverage for floods and storms, including flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area. Check your insurance policy is up to date.

Before severe weather

Storms can cause power surges. Unplug sensitive appliances such as computers, gaming consoles, smart devices and televisions before severe weather hits.
Ensure all electrical and gas-powered appliances are turned off. There is a risk of fire if power is restored and there is no one at the property.
Charge your mobile phone, portable battery chargers and other devices before a storm hits.

During an emergency

Always follow instructions and directions from local authorities and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Stay away from powerlines, trees and watercourses. Always assume fallen powerlines are live and at least 8 metres or 2 car lengths away. Do not approach them or walk under them. Trees that have fallen across powerlines could also be electrified. Do not attempt to remove trees or branches.

If you have already lost power, turn off and unplug electrical equipment. If possible, remove and relocate portable appliances to a higher location if there is a risk of flooding.

Don't connect portable generators to the electrical wiring of your house or office unless a licensed electrician has installed a changeover switch. Always read the manufacturer's instructions very carefully before doing so.

Before evacuating, turn off the gas and electricity to your home. Do not touch any electrical equipment if you are standing in water or if your hands are wet.

After an emergency

After an evacuation, NSW SES will advise when it is safe for residents and businesses to return to a flood affected area. Do not go back to your property if the emergency is still active.

Don't enter a damaged building or structure, unless authorities tell you it is safe.
If your electricity, gas or water supply has been damaged or disconnected, do not attempt to reconnect the service yourself. Take extra care around your switchboard.
All electrical connections and appliances affected by water should be inspected by a licensed electrician before you use them again.
Take care when cleaning up, as fallen powerlines hidden in branches, debris or water can be extremely dangerous. If you find a fallen power line, keep well away, warn others and call the electricity distributor in your area or emergency services on 000.
Ensure the structural stability of your property before entering. Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof and be especially cautious of potential contaminants including asbestos.
Gas appliances and gas bottles that have been exposed to floodwater should be inspected for safety before use.