For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500   In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
NSW SES NSW Government
NSW SES
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Prepare your home and property for flood and storm

Whether you live in your own home or you're a tenant, it's important to prepare your property before every storm season. By preparing now, you can help minimise potential damage caused by severe storms.

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What you can do now to prepare

In Australia, storms can be rapid, unpredictable and destructive. When there is heavy rainfall, water can back up and rise quickly, causing wide, deep and dangerous floods.

Whether you live in your own home or you're a tenant, it's important to prepare your property before every storm season. By preparing now, you can help minimise potential damage caused by severe storms.

Complete as many of these tasks as possible to protect your home and surrounding properties.

In your home

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.

Stay safe when using a ladder by following the SafeWork NSW Pocket guide to ladder safety.

Check your roof

Look for any leaks and repair any damage to your roof, including loose tiles, metal sheets and screws. Buildup of dirt should be removed as it can block the drainage channels.

Clean gutters, drains and downpipes

Clear your gutters, downpipes and drains regularly to prevent leaves and debris build-up. Blockages can trap water and cause it to overflow under the eaves into your roof cavity.

Inspect your windows and doors

Check that your windows and doors seal properly and get any previously broken windows repaired.

Know how to turn off your utilities

Learn how to safely turn off your home’s power, water and gas to prevent damage to yourself and property during potential flooding. For more safety information about power and gas, visit the Electricity, gas and water safety information page.

Maintain your garden or balcony

Clean up garden debris and trim overhanging branches that could potentially fall on your home or property. This will also help emergency services access your property if you require emergency assistance.

Secure loose items

Your outdoor furniture or items like a trampoline can become a hazard during high winds or if swept away during a flood. Where possible, bring items indoors.

Shelter vehicles

If possible, move vehicles undercover. If not, park your car away from trees and cover them with a tarpaulin or blankets if hail is predicted. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel in case you need (and are able) to evacuate.

Review your Emergency Plan. Your emergency plan should consider what you and your family will do if extreme weather strikes and include information about where you will go, how you will get there, what evacuation routes you can use, what you will do with your animals, and how you will manage any health needs.

Prepare or inspect your Emergency Kit. Test batteries and check use-by dates on items like first-aid supplies. This Kit should include your medications, prescriptions and any assistance equipment you may require.

Make sure your home and contents insurance policies are adequate and up to date. Check that your policies provide cover for the types of events specific to your location.

Keep your devices and additional power sources charged and ready. Make sure your phone is fully charged and on hand so you can contact help in an emergency. Remember to use it sparingly during a storm an in case of a prolonged blackout.

Ensure the structural stability of your property before entering after a flood or storm. 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.

Get prepared with these apps

Download these four apps for weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts and help from emergency services.

Hazards Near Me NSW

Set your watch zones and receive current information about local emergencies, including floods, bushfires and severe weather, and advice on what to do to stay safe.

BOM Weather

Access hourly and 7-day forecasts, radar and warnings directly from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Live Traffic NSW

Plan ahead with real-time information about hazards that may affect your travel on NSW roads.

Emergency Plus

Use your mobile device’s GPS functionality and what3words to accurately communicate your location and provide critical details to emergency call-takers.

Related information

For all life-threatening emergencies call 000.

For emergency help in floods, storms and tsunamis call NSW SES on 132 500

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Hearing /speech impaired

SMS NRS 0423 677 767

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Homeless

If you are homeless call Link2Home on 1800 152 152.

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Internet Relay

Make a National Relay Service chat call.

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Translation services

If an interpreter is required, emergency services can access translation services.