How to get your home ready for storm season

If a storm hits, the damage can be heartbreaking. Allianz Home Insurance may support you with repairing the damage caused by an insured event, such as a storm.¹ To help lessen the impact on your home and cherished belongings, we’ve put together these useful tips.

• Weather preparedness
• Prepare your home
• Look after your belongings
• Check your home insurance

While storms can happen anytime, the Australian Climate Service says most thunderstorms in Australia strike between September and March. As the weather warms up, storm clusters can form over tropical waters leading to severe weather systems.

We’re here to support you through extreme weather events. To find out more about weather preparedness and how we can help, visit our ’Extreme weather support’ page.

A severe thunderstorm can bring hail, heavy rain, and damaging gusts of wind to your property. Start by checking your home’s potential weak spots like windows, doors, and the roof.

• Have you thought about installing storm shutters? If you live in an area that experiences severe storms, roller shutters may help to reduce the impact of strong winds and debris.
• If shutters aren’t possible, use tape on windows to help prevent glass from shattering. Or use plywood to cover windows and glass doors. 
• Make sure all doors are secure and consider installing wind-resistant doors.

• Look for loose tiles or shingles that could cause damage during high winds or heavy rainfall. Get them fixed before storm season starts.
• Install roof straps or clips to boost wind resistance, which may make storm damage less likely during strong winds.
• Getting any issues fixed sooner than later may help you avoid costly repairs.

• Regularly trim trees to reduce the risk of them falling on your home during a storm. 
• Remove dead branches to stop them causing damage in strong winds.
• Clear leaves from drains to prevent blockages.

• Make sure gutters and downspouts are free from debris. 
• Check that rainwater flows freely away from your home. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your walls and foundations. 
• Schedule regular gutter checks and cleaning. Consider installing gutter guards.

• Secure loose items to prevent damage.
• Store outdoor furniture, garden tools, and other items that could become dangerous during a storm. 
• Taking this simple step may lessen damage to both your property and your neighbours’ homes.

Here are a few steps you can take to help lessen the risk of damage to your belongings.

• Lightning strikes are known to cause power surges, putting your appliances and devices at risk. A surge protector may help you keep them safe.
• If there’s a blackout, there may be a spike when the power returns. That’s also when surge protectors may save you from the costs and bother of replacing damaged devices.
• For more insights, read our article ‘Safeguard your devices from power surges and spikes’.

• If you live in a flood-prone area, use sandbags to help reduce damage as suggested by the NSW State Emergency Service.
• Place important documents in waterproof containers that you can take with you, if needed. 
• Move valuables or items with sentimental value to a higher level, if possible.

  Note: A 72-hour exclusion period may apply.¹

Knowing what your policy includes and excludes may save you from unexpected expenses. With Allianz, you can check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) online.

• Review your insurance policy to make sure it's up to date. 
• Remember, insurance doesn’t usually cover damage caused by wear and tear or lack of maintenance. For example, cracks in walls due to the age of the property.