Strong winds can damage roofing, break branches and move loose outdoor items. Rain can then enter through damaged parts of a building and affect ceilings, walls, flooring and contents. Preparation can reduce some risks, but it cannot make a property storm-proof.
Use official warnings and local emergency advice to decide what to do. For a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000). In Queensland, SES provides non-life-threatening storm and flood emergency assistance on 132 500. A restoration enquiry is a separate step after immediate safety needs have been addressed.
Three ways to prepare before severe weather
1. Put loose outdoor items away early
Outdoor furniture, bins, toys and other loose items can become dangerous in strong winds. Store or secure them while conditions are safe, rather than waiting until the storm arrives. Follow Get Ready Queensland’s storm advice and keep monitoring official warnings.
2. Arrange building maintenance in advance
Get Ready Queensland recommends checking roof condition, gutters, downpipes, window seals and loose fittings. Arrange suitable trades to investigate defects and explain any repair options. Roof work, structural changes and garage-door modifications need appropriate expertise; avoid improvising repairs during severe weather.
Read the official protect your home guidance for preparation topics. If you rent or manage a property, agree who will arrange inspections and maintenance before an incident occurs.
3. Plan for trees, access and communication
Discuss concerning trees or branches with an appropriate arborist. Where branches are close to powerlines, Get Ready Queensland advises notifying the electricity distributor. Do not attempt work near electrical infrastructure yourself.
Have your household or workplace emergency arrangements ready, including how people will receive warnings and contact each other. Identify who will communicate with the property owner, manager and insurer if damage occurs.
Stay safe during and after the storm
Get Ready Queensland advises staying indoors, away from windows and doors, until the storm has passed. Follow instructions from emergency services and local authorities. Do not go outside to secure property once conditions are unsafe.
Afterwards, keep clear of damaged buildings, fallen trees and powerlines. Never enter floodwater. Do not climb onto a roof or enter a damaged ceiling space to investigate a leak. Keep people away from sagging ceilings and seek appropriate advice before entering affected areas.
The Queensland SES storm guidance explains preparation, warnings and post-storm hazards. Its assistance guide distinguishes temporary emergency measures from permanent repairs organised through an insurer or suitable contractor.
What to record when access is safe
- The property location and when the incident happened.
- Whether rain or other water is still entering.
- Affected rooms and materials, such as ceilings, carpet or timber flooring.
- Known electrical, structural or access restrictions.
- Photos taken from a safe, authorised position, without disturbing hazardous materials.
Ask your insurer what evidence and approvals it needs before work proceeds. Keep a record of instructions, temporary measures and proposed scopes. See our guide to working with your insurer; policy coverage and claim decisions remain with the insurer.
Arrange assessment of storm-related water damage
For storm-damage restoration assistance, tell Reztor what has been affected and any advice already received about access. Roof repairs, structural work or electrical clearance may require separate trades or specialists before restoration can proceed.
If water has entered, explore water-damage assessment and restoration and how monitored structural drying works. Ask what can be assessed now, what remains uncertain and how drying or cleaning decisions would be checked.
Send the storm location, incident details and safe photos, or call 1800 739 867 to discuss restoration assistance. The team can confirm the next step and availability for your circumstances.