How Do You Prepare for and Stay Safe During a Storm?

Storms can occur anywhere, at any time in Victoria. The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is the control agency for storm emergencies and advises taking action before, during, and after a storm to protect yourself and your property. For storm or flood emergency assistance, call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).

Before a Storm: Prepare Your Home and Plan

VICSES recommends these actions to make sure you and your property stay safe during storms:

• Secure outdoor items — move or tie down loose objects such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, and garden items that can become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
• Clean gutters and drains — clear leaves and debris from gutters, downpipes, and drains so water can flow away from your property.
• Prepare an emergency kit — include essentials you would need if power or water services are disrupted.
• Create an emergency plan — VICSES provides guidance for planning at home, at work, at school, and on holidays. A written plan helps you act quickly when a warning is issued.
• Know your local risk — VICSES publishes Local Flood Guides so you can understand your local flood risk and be better prepared. Storms and flooding are often connected.

During a Storm: Stay Indoors and Away from Danger

• Stay indoors and away from windows. Glass can shatter in high winds or from flying debris.
• Avoid using corded phones and electrical appliances. Lightning can travel through wiring.
• Do not go outside to check damage or move items while the storm is active.
• Monitor warnings through VicEmergency and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for real-time weather and emergency information.

After a Storm: Check for Hazards Before Moving Around

• Watch for fallen powerlines. Never approach or drive over them — treat them as live.
• Be careful of floodwater and debris on roads and around your property.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering buildings, and be cautious of weakened trees or damaged roofs.
• Report damage and request assistance if needed (see numbers below).

When to Call for Help

VICSES responds to flood, storm, tsunami, earthquake, and landslide emergencies across Victoria, and also operates the largest Road Crash Rescue network in Australia. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for VICSES assistance, call 132 500 and they will advise you.

Key Resources

• Storm preparedness — ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/storm
• Create an emergency plan — ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/create-an-emergency-plan
• What to do in an emergency — ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/what-to-do-in-an-emergency
• Local Flood Guides — available through the VICSES website to understand your local flood risk

Being storm-ready means acting before the weather turns. Secure your property, write your plan, and save 132 500 and 000 in your phone now — not when the wind picks up.