Time to clean your gutters and trim your trees – storms are on their way. Every year, storms, including rain, tornadoes, lightning, hail, flash flooding and gale force winds, cause major destruction across Western Australia. By preparing your property ahead of time, you can reduce the risk of damage.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare your home and families for storms:

Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car.

Clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain.

Store or weigh down loose objects around your home or work, such as outdoor furniture and trampolines, that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury.

Prepare an emergency kit with a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.

Remember, if a storm has badly damaged your home and you can’t safely fix it yourself, SES volunteers are there to help. If you need assistance call 132 500.