Changing weather patterns mean that storms are no longer limited to our winter season from May to September.

Severe storms accompanied by lightning, hail and flash flooding can cause damage to homes and properties if you are unprepared.

At any time of year damaging winds can bring down trees, branches, power lines, remove roofs and blow around outdoor items, for example outdoor furniture and trampolines.

Heavy rainfall can cause water to:

Damage exposed homes and belongings

Rise rapidly, flooding homes, property and roads

Drain rapidly making floodwaters, drains, and other water courses a safety hazard

Hail can injure people and damage property.

You can take a few simple steps , that will not only minimise storm damage but will also go someway to protecting your property from bush fires in the summer.

Inspect your gutters and roof.

Keep gutters and downpipes clear of leaf litter.

Ensure branches are trimmed clear of your home and powerlines.

Keep the drains around your property clear to help surface water move away and prevent water from pooling and entering your property.

Identify things which you may need to secure or put away if strong wind or a severe storm is forecast.

Your roof should be checked every year (or after major events such as hail storms) for signs of damage. Fix any cracked, broken or displaced tiles. Buildup of dirt should be removed as it can block the drainage channels on the underside of tiles

Check inside your roof space. Light shining through may indicate that your roof or sarking (waterproof insulation membrane) is damaged.

Storms can affect your home even if you’re on holiday, so if you are going away consider securing these items and following other relevant steps before leaving.

Check your insurance policy is current and adequate.

Prepare an emergency kit with essential items in case you lose power or need to leave home in an emergency

Draw up a plan of what you need to do and keep it on the fridge with a magnet.

Secure and tidy your yard of loose objects.

Ensure you have a torch and radio with spare batteries ready inside your home

Park your car undercover and away from trees.

Listen to your local radio station and other media for weather warnings

Your local radio station will also broadcast information specific to your area.

During a storm, there are simple things you can do to help protect your family:

Ensure pets and animals are secure

Stay indoors, and stay away from windows

Close curtains or blinds

Turn off electrical appliances

Don't use landline telephones (mobile phones are safe to use during a storm)

Stay clear of creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees, power lines and damaged buildings

If driving, put your hazard lights on and pull over to the side of the road keeping clear of drains, causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines

Never enter or travel through floodwater

If outdoors, seek secure shelter away from drains, causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines

Be prepared for power outages.

Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.

Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.

Listen to your local radio station and other media for information, updates and advice

Check your home and property for damage.

Keep clear of damaged buildings, powerlines and trees.

Be aware of road hazards such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads or bridges.

Do not drive through affected areas unless it is necessary

Do Not go sightseeing

First, assess the storm damage to your home and property. Then determine which agency can assist you (see below) and call for assistance.

The following agencies can provide help in a range of situations:

In a life-threatening situation, dial 000.

State Emergency Service volunteers can assist people with other emergency situations, such as undertaking temporary building repairs to prevent further storm damage.

For SES emergency assistance, dial 132 500.

Western Power can be contacted on 13 13 51 to report damage to powerlines or if the power is out.

The Water Corporation handles interruptions to water supplies on 13 13 75

Alinta Gas can be reached on 13 13 52 for problems associated with gas supply.

Contact your insurance company or a licensed tradesperson to make appropriate arrangements.

If trees are on the road call Mundaring Shire on 9290 6666