How to Assess Your Home’s Flood Risk?

Intense storms and flooding are becoming more common across Australia as climate change fuels extreme weather events.¹ That means bigger clean-ups, higher repair costs, and increased disruptions if important infrastructure and essential services are impacted.²

One of the largest extreme weather events in recent history, the 2022 eastern Australia floods generated $6 billion in claims alone, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.³ Meanwhile, a report from the Climate Change Authority estimates extreme weather disasters could cost Australia $8.7 billion a year by 2050.⁴

“But understanding the factors that may make your home vulnerable to severe weather can make a real difference to storm and flood preparedness – and ultimately, your safety,” says Geoff Evans, Co-founder of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA).

Not only that, but it can also help lower the future risk of costly damage to your property, says Geoff, who has been on the ground at some of Australia’s most devastating floods and weather disasters.

“DRA runs a programme where communities are invited to come and stand on a big map to identify their local risks and discuss how to better prepare for future disasters.

“They often look down at the map and say things like, ‘Oh wow, I didn’t realise the river was right there’.

“Then, if you show them a flood overlay, they might say, ‘Oh, I didn’t realise I’m sitting right in the middle of the whole riverine system’. And these can be people who’ve lived in the area for 25 years.

“But once they’ve got access to this kind of information, they can start making more informed decisions.”

What can increase your home’s storm risk in Australia?

There are many factors that could make your home more vulnerable to damage from storms, including the design of your roof, windows and doors, your drainage system and even the landscaping of your yard.⁵

Poorly maintained roofs and overhanging trees are common causes of storm-related damage, says Geoff.

“A tree brushing against your window may not seem like a big deal, but in gale-force winds it can be devastating. Similarly, most of the water damage I’ve seen starts from a compromised roof. The little things you notice today could save you thousands tomorrow.”

Here are some physical factors that could affect your home’s vulnerability during a severe weather event:

• Roof condition: Loose or cracked tiles, unsecured sheeting or weakened fasteners can increase the likelihood of wind and rain entering your home.⁶
• Building materials: Some types of timber cladding may be prone to swelling or leaking⁷ while plasterboard ceiling linings may also be susceptible to mould growth caused by high humidity after a flood.⁸
• Rust & corrosion: Metal elements such as gutters, flashings or roof fasteners can deteriorate over time if rust sets in, weakening their structural integrity.⁹
• Foot-traffic: Flooring, decks or steps repeatedly stressed by foot traffic can develop cracks or wear, opening paths for water to intrude in heavy rain.
• Lack of maintenance: Failure to clear gutters, repair small cracks or reseal surfaces may allow water to accumulate and degrade materials, potentially compounding damage during severe weather.
• Landscaping and garden slope: Large paved areas and yards that slope toward low-lying homes can trap runoff and increase flood risk.¹⁰
• Windows and doors: Without shutters or screens for storm protection, glass can shatter under wind pressure or from flying debris.¹¹

Understanding the different types of floods

Not all floods look the same – and their risks vary, so understanding which flood types are most likely in your area can help you prioritise protection measures and ​​better understand weather warnings.

Here are the main types of flooding we see in Australia:¹²

• Flash flooding: Happens quickly after heavy rainfall, often with little to no warning and can be especially problematic in urban areas where drainage systems can’t cope with the amount of water.
• Riverine flooding: The most common form of flooding in Australia, riverine flooding occurs when heavy, sustained rain from cyclones, lows or monsoon troughs overwhelms rivers and creeks, causing them to burst their banks and inundate normally dry areas. These floods can cover vast regions for weeks or months, causing major community impacts.
• Storm surge and storm tide: Generated when strong winds push seawater onto the land, typically as a result of a powerful low-pressure system. Even properties set back from the immediate coastline can be affected, particularly if low-lying.¹²

Why is Finished Floor Level (FFL) important for flood risk?

Your Finished Floor Level (FFL) is the uppermost surface of the finished floor of your home – not including any floor covering such as carpet or rugs.

​​When it comes to your flood risk, it can be helpful to know your FFL in relation to past flood levels in your area. Your local council may be able to provide flood overlays or elevation maps to help you see how the two compare.

During the 2021 flooding event in Taree, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Geoff says many homeowners were unaware their floors were set below historical flood lines.

“When the Manning River broke its banks, whole neighbourhoods were inundated,” he says. “Knowing your FFL helps you make informed decisions about mitigation – like raising electrical outlets or planning for sandbagging.”

How can I check my flood or storm risk?

Every home is different, and so it makes sense that your home’s storm and flood risk profile is also unique. To get an understanding of the risk your property may be subject to, here are a few places you can start gathering information:

• Council flood maps and overlays – most councils publish these online, often searchable by address
• State databases – for example, Queensland’s FloodCheck, the Victorian SES Local Flood Guide, and the NSW SES Flood Data Portal
• Historical rainfall and inundation reports – available through the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

This type of information can also help you understand how floods affect your specific area or your home.

“For example, BOM might tell you the river will peak at a certain height during a flood, but the critical step is knowing how that translates to your own floor level or stock paddocks,” says Geoff.

“Similarly, a number on a flood gauge only becomes useful when you connect it to your own home or the slope of your land.”

Ask your neighbours

​​​Talking to your neighbours can also help you build a more complete picture regarding your severe weather risk.

“If you’re new to an area or a neighbourhood, the best thing to do is to talk to your neighbours, your landlord, the people who’ve been there a while. Ask them: ‘What happens here when there’s a major flood?’,” suggests Geoff.

“Asking your neighbours is a great way to understand your local context or risk profile because people are visual learners,” he says. “And for many, that’s easier to grasp than looking at a council website – even though that’s a great resource.”

5 questions to ask your local council

Your local council can often be a good place to start when searching for information about your property’s storm and flood risk.¹³

Flood and storm risks for apartment dwellers

It’s not just houses that face risk. Apartment and townhouse residents can also experience serious storm impacts, particularly in common areas.

Basement car parks are often the first areas to flood during flash flooding events, potentially damaging dozens of vehicles at once.¹⁴ Other risks could include water leaks that may lead to mould, and electrical hazards.​¹⁵

A 2025 report from James Cook University and Natural Hazards Research Australia on the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred found resilience measures for buildings should include weatherproofing layers on the outside of walls, improved window design, fastening of balcony pavers, and sufficient backup power.¹⁶

“It was an eye opener to have 15kg balcony pavers starting to lift and move around on these modern engineered, commercial structures in an ex-tropical cyclone,” Dr David Henderson, Chief Research Engineer at James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, says in the report.

If you’re concerned about the storm resilience of your apartment or townhouse, Geoff suggests asking your landlord or strata manager the following questions:

• Has the car park or basement ever flooded?
• Are lifts and power systems protected against water ingress?
• Where is the evacuation point for the complex?
• Is there a backup power supply in the event of an outage?
• What does the strata insurance cover, and do I need separate contents insurance for water damage?

Useful state and territory websites

Storm and flood risks differ significantly by region. You can check official local portals to understand risks relevant to your area:

• New South Wales: SES Flood Data Portal
• Queensland: FloodCheck interactive map
• Victoria: SES Local Flood Guides
• South Australia: Flood Awareness Map
• Western Australia: Floodplain mapping tool
• Tasmania: SES flood maps
• Northern Territory: Floodplain maps
• Australian Capital Territory: Flood Map

How to make your home more resilient when severe weather is coming

While every property is different, there are a few simple, cost-effective actions that may help strengthen your home’s storm resilience.

“I’ve seen homes sitting side by side where one floods and water doesn’t enter the other but if you were standing at the front looking at both houses, you would have thought they were at the same height,” says Geoff.

“Some houses will just weather storms and floods better than others, but there are always simple things that everybody can do to help minimise damage.

“For example, things like repairing a roof or cutting back a tree limb don’t cost much but can make a huge difference when the wind picks up.”

Geoff recommends the following actions:

• Inspect and maintain your roof – fix broken tiles, secure sheeting, and clear gutters and downpipes.
• Trim or remove problem trees – cut back tree branches that extend over your roof or are within six metres of the house.
• Install temporary protections – plywood shutters or drop bolts on doors can provide extra strength during cyclones.
• Secure outdoor items – tie down or store furniture, trampolines and tools.

Why understanding your risk matters

“Storms and floods are unpredictable by nature, but understanding how vulnerable your home is can be a valuable first step in reducing your risk of serious damage,” says Mervyn Hartley, Youi’s Head of Product, Home.

For more expert tips to help you plan for severe weather, visit our you.prepared emergency content hub.

The content in this article has been prepared based on current government and emergency services guidelines and expert advice provided at the time of publishing. This information is subject to change. Please be sure to check for the latest information and always consider your personal circumstances regarding home safety preparedness and response.

Where you have increased your Youi insurance cover or reduced your excess within 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by, resulting or arising from flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions are met. Refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for full T&Cs.

¹ Source: Australian Government – Understanding climate change, September 2025
² Source: SA Government – What are the impacts of floods
³ Source: Insurance Council of Australia – Comprehensive review released into insurers’ response to 2022 flood
⁴ Source: Climate Change Authority – Media Release - Home safe: National leadership in adapting to a changing climate, 19 June 2025
⁵ Source: Australian Government – Your storm and cyclone resilient home
⁶ Source: NSW State Emergency Service – Prepare your home and property for flood and storm
⁷ Source: Australian Government – Cladding systems
⁸ Source: Australian Government – Build flood resilient homes
⁹ Source: Cyclone Testing Station – Weather the storm, Level 1
¹⁰ Source: Australian Government – Design landscapes to protect your house from flooding
¹¹ Source: Australian Government – Protect glass windows and doors from wind-borne debris
¹² Source: Qld Government – Types of flooding
¹³ Source: NSW State Emergency Service – Flood
¹⁴ Source: Brisbane Sustainability Agency – Flood resilience for apartments
¹⁵ Source: Melbourne Water – Flooding and its impacts
¹⁶ Source: Natural Hazards Research Australia - Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred a ‘practice run’, May 2025