Bad weather plus cyclone Bianca heading this way

How to prepare your home and family for bad weather


Friday 28 January 2011 – 7:20 PM

You and your family need to be prepared for bad weather expected from Severe Tropical Cyclone Bianca.

If you are not prepared you need to do it now before the bad weather starts.

DAYS BEFORE THE BAD WEATHER HITS
· Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car. Store or secure the branches until after the danger has passed to prevent them from becoming dangerous objects in strong winds.
· Where bulk verge collections are scheduled people are advised to delay placing their rubbish outside until the bad weather has passed or secure any loose items.
· Check your roof and gutters for damage or loose material. Replace any damaged or missing tiles.
· Clear gutters and downpipes so they don’t over flow after heavy rain.
· Store or weigh down loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture, playground equipment and sheds that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury.
· Prepare an emergency kit with a portable radio, torch, spare batteries and a first aid kit. This is essential because services such as power, telephones lines, water, sewerage and gas may not work.
· Prepare an emergency plan including a relocation plan in case your home becomes flooded after heavy rain or flash flooding:
◦Consider what you will do with your pets
◦Know how to turn off the gas, electricity and water supplies
· If you are away from home contact family or friends to prepare your property.
· Display a list of emergency phone numbers
· Know where to get information from before, during and after the bad weather
o Call 1300 657 209, visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au or listen to news bulletins.
· Check you have adequate home and contents insurance. Probably a bit late for this today.



HOURS BEFORE THE BAD WEATHER HITS
· Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area.
· Move your vehicles under cover.
· Unplug electrical appliances and don’t use landline telephones if there is lightning.
· Prepare for the possible loss of electricity.
· Do not go boating, fishing, swimming or surfing in affected areas.
· Boat owners need to ensure boats in pens and on moorings are secure and items above deck removed or secured.
· If caught outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.