Severe weather warnings for Perth

What to do when the Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe weather warning for Perth and other areas of WA, which might include destructive winds and heavy rainfall.

Here are a list of things to consider before, during and after severe weather warnings hit.

Before:

Although we never get ample warning of severe weather, it is safe to assume winter will bring about some dangerous winds, rain and storms. Before winter hits, you should undertake the following checks:

1. Roof condition
   Make sure your roof has been recently assessed and any repairs carried out
2. Gardens are free from large amounts of debris
3. Gutters are cleaned and in good working order

During:

As soon as a severe weather warning has been issued, you may want to take the following steps:

Gutters and downpipes

During a heavy rain, if the water cannot flow successfully through the gutters, it will want to find an alternative route, this route may be into your home.

Ensure leaves, twigs and other debris that may have found its way into your gutters has been removed. Depending on the location of your gutters you may wish to employ a contractor who specialises in gutters to undertake this work.

Secure loose furniture

Plant pots, pillows and chairs are a great way to decorate Perth balconies but leaving these items unsecure during severe winds may turn them into dangerous objects, which may smash windows and damage doors. Be sure to stack these items away inside or into a storeroom if available.

Secure Doors and Windows

Do a walk around each room in your home to close all doors and windows, even if you haven’t been in them in a while.

Remember to call

Have a think about who you may need to call in case of an emergency. Review our after hours maintenance emergency contact information.

After:

After the weather has calmed down, you should do an assessment of any damage. This includes checking for water damage.

Asses the damage

Do a walkaround of your property, note down and include any pictures of damage that may have occurred as a result of the weather. This may include things such as fences which may form part of an insurance claim so it’s important to send this information to your Strata Company Manager.

Mould and water damage

Avoid the dreaded shock of finding a cupboard full of mould (Help! There is mould in my unit ) or peeling paint in the bathroom. Ensure that you check cupboards frequently and bathroom fans and windows allow sufficient ventilation. You can fight dampness with sufficient insulation, heating, and ventilation.