Australia is no stranger to extreme weather. From heavy rainfall and damaging winds to storms and floods, catastrophic weather events are happening with increasing frequency and severity – and at great cost.1
For households already juggling rising living costs, the idea of preparing for severe weather might feel like yet another expense to factor into an already-tight budget.
But experts are clear that storm readiness doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Often, the smallest and least expensive actions – such as securing outdoor furniture and installing drop bolts – can help provide the greatest protection when severe weather strikes, according to Geoff Evans, Co-founder and former CEO of Disaster Relief Australia.
“There are lots of practical, low-cost steps you can take that can make a real difference when the next big system rolls through,” explains Geoff.
“It’s about focusing on prevention and small improvements that strengthen your home and help you and your loved ones stay safe.”
With the right approach, you can boost your disaster resilience without blowing the budget.
Start with a free storm readiness audit
A practical first step is to use one of the free storm preparedness checklists provided by your state emergency service or local council. The NSW State Emergency Service recommends checking the physical condition of your home and making a clear plan well before storm season arrives.2
Making a list of regular maintenance tasks can make it easier to identify what needs urgent attention and what can wait until your budget allows, giving you time to spread the cost over a few months if necessary.
A great place to start is this guide from the National Emergency Management Agency, which outlines key steps to maintaining a storm-resilient home – including those that are easier on the wallet, with each task ranked by potential cost.3
Small fixes that can make a difference
Simple DIY projects can improve your home’s resilience and may buy you valuable time during severe weather.
Add drop bolts to external doors
James Cook University's Cyclone Testing Station (CTS) notes that low-cost improvements such as adding drop bolts to external doors can help reduce the risk of damage during high winds.4
In severe winds, doors can blow in, exposing your home to wind and water – but adding drop bolts to the top and bottom of your external doors may reduce the risk of this happening. Adding door seals may also help reduce water damage during a storm.4
Drop bolts are readily available from hardware stores for less than $20.
Install plywood shutters
The CTS also suggests adding DIY plywood shutters at least 14mm thick to the outside of your windows to help stop water entering your home and protect the glass from damage. These DIY shutters can be used each storm season – but remember to store them carefully, to avoid exposure to moisture when not in use.4
Purchasing plywood over a period of time ahead of storm season can spread the cost and lessen the financial impact.
Trim branches around your home
Cutting back tree branches within six metres of your house, including any that extend over your roof, can help reduce the risk of damage caused by any falling branches.3
Geoff says if you have the right equipment, trimming smaller branches doesn’t cost much but can make a huge difference in the event of high winds. “A tree branch brushing a window may seem minor in ordinary weather but in storm-force winds, it can cause major damage,” he explains.
Tidy up your yard
Put tools and loose objects away and bring your outdoor furniture in. Think about items such as hanging baskets, plant pots and patio umbrellas, all of which can cause damage if sent flying by strong winds.
“People hugely underestimate the force of wind,” says Geoff. “I once saw a plastic straw embedded in a brick after a tornado had ripped through Texas. Just imagine the damage a shovel or plant pot could do in similar circumstances.”
Install gutter guards
During a storm or cyclone, blocked gutters may cause rainwater to overflow into eaves – the edge of your roof – and seep into your home, damaging internal walls.5
“Using a gutter guard or gutter mesh may help to prevent debris build-up,” says Geoff.
Weather strip your doors and windows
Weather stripping your doors and windows is another budget-friendly fix. Weather strip tape costs just a few dollars and helps seal gaps against wind-driven rain. See of weather stripping if you’re unsure how to do this.
Build skills through free workshops
Storm readiness isn’t only about materials – it’s also about know-how. Many state emergency services and local councils offer free or low-cost workshops designed to help residents learn practical maintenance and preparation skills.
“There are a tonne of programmes offered free of charge across Australia delivered by local councils, local SES and organisations such as Red Cross that are all about preparation,” says Geoff.
“Some of them are online; some of them are in-person – but there are plenty of options, so I suggest people take advantage of that.”
The Australian Red Cross regularly holds free EmergencyRedi workshops that are adapted for your local area. These events cover practical, psychological and social steps to help you prepare for extreme weather, including how to assess your own risks, how to prepare your household, and guidance on completing an emergency plan.6 See their upcoming event calendar here.
For other workshops in your area, look at the Events page of your state’s or territory’s emergency service’s website, or try your council’s helpline. Online platforms such as YouTube can also be a helpful resource, says Geoff.
“Learning how to inspect your trees to know what a rotting limb looks like, or when crossed branches can snap, costs nothing and can make a big difference,” he says.
“That kind of knowledge is readily available online and is worth looking up. Just be sure that the organisation providing the information is a reputable one.”
Pool resources with your neighbours
Preparing for severe weather doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Pooling resources with people around you could help everyone respond more effectively and help keep everyone safe when an emergency arises.7
“Talk to your neighbours about sharing ladders or larger power tools, or bulk-purchasing emergency supplies such as tarpaulins and batteries. This could cut costs for all of you,” suggests Geoff.
Beyond equipment, skills can be shared too – one person may know how to lop trees safely, while another may be able to assist with first-aid or emergency response training.
Build your emergency kit gradually
A storm-ready household should always have an emergency kit ready to go. While it may seem like a big upfront investment, Geoff points out that you don’t need to panic-buy everything at once.
“Build your kit gradually – spending a few dollars here and there – so you’re not hit by a big upfront cost and, when a storm does come, you’re not scrambling to pull your kit together,” he says.
Start with basics such as bottled drinking water, a torch with spare batteries, and a first-aid kit. Gradually add other items as your budget allows.7 You can find a handy Emergency Kit Checklist in our downloadable Emergency Survival Plan here.
Use free apps and alerts to stay ahead
It costs nothing to pay attention to free mobile apps and government alert services that provide real-time warnings and localised updates during emergencies. These may help you and your household make informed decisions before and during a severe weather event.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s app delivers severe weather alerts directly to your phone, while state services such as VicEmergency or Queensland’s local disaster dashboards allow residents to track risks in their area. Check your local state or territory government’s website for details of apps relevant to your location.
A word of warning, though – while emergency alerts can be helpful, Geoff notes they’re not tailored to every individual’s experience.
“Ultimately, it’s your obligation to stay informed and to be plugged into what’s going on around you in any emergency,” he says. “If you can see the situation deteriorating, then act – don’t just wait for things to get worse or for an alert to arrive.”
Remember, storm readiness starts with small, smart steps
Being ready for a severe weather event doesn’t have to mean major home renovations or expensive purchases. Starting with free checklists, improving your hands-on skills and making small improvements around your home could significantly reduce your vulnerability.
For more expert tips to help you get ready 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 – Impact of climate change and more frequent and severe natural disasters, November 2024
2 Source: NSW State Emergency Service – Prepare your home and property for flood and storm
3 Source: Australian Government – Your storm and cyclone resilient home
4 Source: Weather the Storm – Window and door protection
5 Source: National Emergency Management Agency – Reduce the rain driven by wind entering your house
6 Source: Australian Red Cross – EmergencyRedi workshops
7 Source: NSW Government – Sharing information and resources
