With global warming, it’s hard to tell the type of weather condition to expect. However, you can prepare to keep yourself and your family safe when facing extreme weather conditions.

The following tips apply to different extreme weather conditions

1. Prepare an Essential Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit should have the basic things you need for survival if you have to leave home or are stuck at home. This kit should contain water and non-perishable food supply, medication, portable multi-tool, basic personal hygiene products, and your insurance policy. If you already have an essential emergency kit, check it regularly to see if it still contains everything you need.

2. Have an Emergency Family Plan

You need an emergency plan for your family and update everyone on it. This helps everyone know what they need to do during emergencies. The emergency plan should include your evacuation location if you are separated when the extreme weather hits.

3. Understand Different Severe Weather Warnings for Extreme Weather Conditions

The government provides information on severe weather warnings when there is a signal for potentially dangerous weather, including a warning for severe thunderstorms and other dangerous weather unrelated to bushfires or tropical cyclones.

4. Update your Insurance

During your preparation for severe weather, ensure you take out insurance for your home. Check the insurance to ensure the insured amount is sufficient to cover the cost of potential damage. When faced with an emergency, make sure you have your insurer’s details handy for easy contact when necessary.

Safety Tips for A Storm

• Check around your property and remove loose objects that may get damaged when blown around. If moving the objects isn’t possible, consider tying them down or filling empty items like your large garbage bin with water
• If you have a vehicle, move it into a garage. If you can move the car into a garage, cover it with a tarp or blanket. Ensure your tank is full in case you have to evacuate
• Get protective clothing or footwear
• Avoid traveling through floodwater
• Move your appliances, rugs, books, and furniture to a high area if there is the risk of flooding

Safety Tips for Strong Winds and Hailstorms

During hailstorms, keep your doors and windows closed, and stay in a small interior room on the lowest floor of your building or stairwell. Stay away from exterior walls and doors, including glass windows.

If you are outdoors, avoid taking shelter in a caravan or your car. You can take shelter under a low bridge or a building but protect your head. Avoid trying to outrun a cyclone or high wind.

Safety Tips During Flash Floods

If you are home during a flash flood, get to a high point, but avoid glass doors and windows. If you are outdoor, look for elevated ground, then seek help. If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Avoid streams, trees, power lines, creeks, and drains.