Cyclone and storm preparedness

This simple checklist can help you prepare for storms and cyclones.

Insurance review and documents:

□ Do you have your current insurance policy/policies on hand?

□ Take photos/video of your property and possessions before the event.  A picture is worth a thousand words. Images also can satisfy proof of ownership requirements.

□   Update your emergency contact telephone numbers (see below)

Your property – have you:

□   Trimmed trees and removed overhanging branches?    □  Cleared gutters and checked your roof is secure? □   Removed all loose items around your property? □   Run your generator and serviced it? □   Prepared to install storm shutters or purchased tape for your windows?

Emergency kit: .

Ensure your kit is ready and includes: □   Portable radio □   Copy of your insurance documents, previous cyclone repair documents, photos of your property  □   Spare batteries, portable charging devices, power banks □   First Aid kit □   Essential medications □   Non-perishable food and bottles of water □   Candles, matches and torches □   Pet food and a litter box □   Kids’ toys □   Other essentials

Pre-event action plan:

□   Do you have a safe room in your home? If not, have you made arrangements to go elsewhere? □   Do you have an evacuation plan?  Remember if you leave, it may be days before you return home. Throw out perishables from your fridge and freezer before you go. □   Have you fuelled all vehicles and have a supply of fuel on hand for your generator? □   Have you organised storage containers for emergency water supplies? □   Get cash — ATMs and EFTPOS facilities don’t work when there is no power □   Are your mobile electronic devices fully charged? Do you have an external charging device? □   Have you checked that your neighbours and family are prepared? □   Do you know the frequency of local radio stations so you can tune in during the event? Stay inside until the event is over.

Post-event action plan:

A few simple actions can save a lot of post-disaster heartache.      □ Help yourself and then your neighbours.       □   Take photos/video of your damaged property.      □   Complete your insurer’s claim notification form.      □   List damaged items and store non-perishables for assessment by your insurer.      □   Try to wash down external surfaces before the storm debris dries out. Debris will wash off walls, cars and buildings with a hose while it is still wet. Once it dries, it can set like concrete.      □   Try to use cold and frozen foods before they perish. If they can’t be saved take photos before you throw them away.      □   Contact your insurer or broker promptly. Be mindful of the extent of your damage — people who are not dry or safe will take priority.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS