Storm

Know your risk

The safest place to be during a storm is under sturdy and secure shelter, away from trees, powerlines, creeks and low-lying areas.

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.
• 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.

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

Download for iOS | Download for Android

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. 

NSW SES may not be able to rescue you during storms. Plan and prepare so that you can take safe actions during storms.

Make your own emergency plan using the NSW SES Online Emergency Planning Tool or download the Emergency Kit Checklist to help you prepare your emergency kit.

Get ready

• 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.

Plan to respond

• 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.

Plan to recover

• 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.