![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.obrien.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Storm-Prep-Article-Header_1040x290px.jpg\")
<\/div><\/p>\n8 things you need to do around the home to be storm-ready<\/h2>\n1. Stay informed and updated.<\/h3>\n
Forewarned is forearmed. So, whenever there\u2019s a storm warning, keep a close eye on weather forecasts. If possible, get real-time alerts and warnings about approaching storms from reliable news sources so you\u2019re always alert.<\/p>\n
2. Create a family emergency plan.<\/strong><\/h3>\nDiscuss evacuation routes, safe areas within your home, and contact information for nearby shelters or emergency services with your family.<\/p>\n
This way, when the time comes, everyone will know what to do and can act quickly.<\/p>\n
3. Build an emergency kit and stock up on your essentials.<\/h3>\n
You can also pack a storm emergency kit with all the essentials:<\/p>\n
\n- non-perishable food<\/li>\n
- clean water<\/li>\n
- medications<\/li>\n
- a first aid kit<\/li>\n
- a torch<\/li>\n
- batteries<\/li>\n
- power banks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ideally, an emergency kit should have enough supplies for at least a week.<\/p>\n
4. Secure your surroundings.<\/h3>\n
While it\u2019s still safe, clean up garden debris and secure loose objects in your yard so they don\u2019t become projectiles during high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, trampolines or garden decorations. If flooding is a concern, you can use sandbags to prevent water from entering the vicinity of your home.<\/p>\n
5. Inspect your doors and windows.<\/strong><\/h3>\nLook into all entry and exit points around your home such as windows and doors check for proper sealing. Get any\u00a0previously broken panes of glass repaired<\/a>\u00a0so that they\u2019re in good working order. It is worth checking to make sure you have the\u00a0right type of safety glass<\/a>\u00a0around your home as well.<\/p>\nYour\u00a0local O\u2019Brien Glass experts<\/a> can work on the replacement and provide expert advice for ensuring the glass around your home is safe for extreme weather.<\/p>\n6. Check your roof and gutters.<\/h3>\n
Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair roof damage as soon as you notice it. Cleaning out gutters and downpipes will also ensure proper drainage in case of heavy rainfall. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks and water damage during a storm.<\/p>\n
If you need help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts<\/a> can assist.<\/p>\n7. Examine potential electric hazards.<\/strong><\/h3>\nFaulty power lines, lightning and water are a concerning combination that could pose risks to your home and your family. So, it helps to have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard. A residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) also guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.<\/p>\n
If you need help with the installation of switchboard and safety switches, your local O'Brien Electrical experts<\/a> can assist.<\/p>\n8. Review your insurance coverage.<\/h3>\n
Take the time to talk to your insurance provider and make sure your coverage adequately protects against storm and flood damage, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Knowing that you have the right coverage gives you one less thing to worry about when the storm hits.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.obrien.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Storm-Prep-Article-Header_1040x290px2.jpg\")
<\/div><\/p>\nStay safe and dry with help from O\u2019Brien\u00ae<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully, this checklist is a good starting point for you.<\/p>\n
Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event \u2013 whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or\u00a0glass repairs<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 just reach out to\u00a0your local O\u2019Brien\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0team<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Ideally, an emergency kit should have enough supplies for at least a week.<\/p>\n
4. Secure your surroundings.<\/h3>\n
While it\u2019s still safe, clean up garden debris and secure loose objects in your yard so they don\u2019t become projectiles during high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, trampolines or garden decorations. If flooding is a concern, you can use sandbags to prevent water from entering the vicinity of your home.<\/p>\n
5. Inspect your doors and windows.<\/strong><\/h3>\nLook into all entry and exit points around your home such as windows and doors check for proper sealing. Get any\u00a0previously broken panes of glass repaired<\/a>\u00a0so that they\u2019re in good working order. It is worth checking to make sure you have the\u00a0right type of safety glass<\/a>\u00a0around your home as well.<\/p>\nYour\u00a0local O\u2019Brien Glass experts<\/a> can work on the replacement and provide expert advice for ensuring the glass around your home is safe for extreme weather.<\/p>\n6. Check your roof and gutters.<\/h3>\n
Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair roof damage as soon as you notice it. Cleaning out gutters and downpipes will also ensure proper drainage in case of heavy rainfall. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks and water damage during a storm.<\/p>\n
If you need help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts<\/a> can assist.<\/p>\n7. Examine potential electric hazards.<\/strong><\/h3>\nFaulty power lines, lightning and water are a concerning combination that could pose risks to your home and your family. So, it helps to have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard. A residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) also guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.<\/p>\n
If you need help with the installation of switchboard and safety switches, your local O'Brien Electrical experts<\/a> can assist.<\/p>\n8. Review your insurance coverage.<\/h3>\n
Take the time to talk to your insurance provider and make sure your coverage adequately protects against storm and flood damage, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Knowing that you have the right coverage gives you one less thing to worry about when the storm hits.<\/p>\n
<\/div><\/p>\nStay safe and dry with help from O\u2019Brien\u00ae<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully, this checklist is a good starting point for you.<\/p>\n
Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event \u2013 whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or\u00a0glass repairs<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 just reach out to\u00a0your local O\u2019Brien\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0team<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Your\u00a0local O\u2019Brien Glass experts<\/a> can work on the replacement and provide expert advice for ensuring the glass around your home is safe for extreme weather.<\/p>\n Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair roof damage as soon as you notice it. Cleaning out gutters and downpipes will also ensure proper drainage in case of heavy rainfall. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks and water damage during a storm.<\/p>\n If you need help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts<\/a> can assist.<\/p>\n Faulty power lines, lightning and water are a concerning combination that could pose risks to your home and your family. So, it helps to have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard. A residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) also guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.<\/p>\n If you need help with the installation of switchboard and safety switches, your local O'Brien Electrical experts<\/a> can assist.<\/p>\n Take the time to talk to your insurance provider and make sure your coverage adequately protects against storm and flood damage, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Knowing that you have the right coverage gives you one less thing to worry about when the storm hits.<\/p>\n It\u2019s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully, this checklist is a good starting point for you.<\/p>\n Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event \u2013 whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or\u00a0glass repairs<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 just reach out to\u00a0your local O\u2019Brien\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0team<\/a>.<\/p>\n6. Check your roof and gutters.<\/h3>\n
7. Examine potential electric hazards.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
8. Review your insurance coverage.<\/h3>\n
<\/div><\/p>\nStay safe and dry with help from O\u2019Brien\u00ae<\/h2>\n