If you’re one of the millions of Aussies who live in our major cities, you might think storm preparation isn’t your concern – and you wouldn’t be alone.
“Our urban centres have historically been less frequently impacted by severe weather, so many city dwellers think it’s not something they have to worry about,” says Geoff Evans, Co-founder and former CEO of Disaster Relief Australia.
However, a changing climate means that storms, cyclones, floods and other extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense across the country.1 Geoff says, “this means urbanites – including inner-city apartment dwellers – are increasingly vulnerable.”
Luckily, whether you live in a townhouse, high-rise or anywhere in between, there are some simple storm preparation steps you can take to prepare yourself and your home for extreme weather.
Know your storm or flood risk
Apartment dwellers might feel safe, high above the fray, but even their homes can be vulnerable to wind damage, flying debris and power outages during a cyclone or other severe weather event.
“If you’re living in a high-rise and your power’s out for three days, it’s a big issue,” says Geoff. “Especially if you are in a wheelchair or have a physical impairment.”
Power outages in large complexes could impact lifts, fire alarm systems, smoke alarms, emergency response systems and running water, warns Dr David Henderson, Chief Research Engineer at James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station.
A three-day power outage could mean you can’t charge your phone, contact loved ones, use your refrigerator, cook, or turn on your lights when it’s dark outside.
And remember, says David, risks don’t always end with the storm.
“Even after the system has moved on, hazards remain,” he warns. “Powerlines can be down; broken solar panels can still generate electricity, increasing the risk of electrocution or fire; glass and debris are everywhere.
“So even if the skies have cleared, you still need to stay alert, follow official updates, and keep safety front of mind.”
Geoff adds that heavy rain and hail can cause significant flooding in built-up areas. Flash flooding happens suddenly and can be a threat to your safety and your property.2
In particular, Geoff warns flooded car parks and garages in high-rise buildings are a concern due to electric vehicles (EVs). EVs that have been submerged in water create a risk of electrocution and battery fire.3
Know your building’s storm plan
If you’re in a high-rise or apartment complex, a key part of storm preparation is knowing what to do and where to go in an emergency – before the crisis hits. Ideally, your building will have a severe weather emergency plan.
“If you don’t know your plan – or if you’re not sure there is one – try asking your landlord, property manager or strata manager,” suggests Geoff.
Some important questions you should be able to answer include:4
- Where are your safe evacuation routes?
- How will you receive weather warnings and alerts?
- What should you have in your emergency kit?
- How will you communicate with loved ones or neighbours?4
Know where to turn off your utilities
“Do you know how to turn off your power and gas?” asks Geoff. “Because if a major storm is coming, you need to turn those things off before it hits.”
In some emergencies, authorities might advise you to turn off your power, gas and/or water.5,6 Doing so can help reduce your risk of experiencing power surges, fires,6 electric shocks7 and water leaks caused by strong winds or heavy rain.
In standalone dwellings, your fuse box, or meter box, and gas meter are probably outside or in a garage,8, 9 and the water meter will often be at the front of your property in a small plastic unit.10 In a high-rise or complex, gas and electric meters are usually stored together in one room,9 while water meters are likely near your unit or in a centralised cabinet.10
If you can’t find your utility shutoffs, get in touch with your landlord, property manager or strata manager. Remember, if there’s any chance your utilities have been damaged in a storm, stay clear, contact a professional and don’t switch them on yourself.11
Secure your balcony and outdoor items
It’s easy to underestimate the power of wind, especially when you’re in what feels like a strong, sturdy high-rise. But David warns that even ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s relatively low wind speeds were able to easily move 15kg balcony pavers in South East Queensland when the storm hit in March 2025.12
“On one building, lifted balcony pavers broke the glass balustrades and ended up on the street, several floors below,” he says.
“That’s a real wake-up call. If the wind speeds were higher, the pavers would have been potentially deadly flying debris hitting other buildings.”
When extreme weather is coming, bring inside any loose outdoor items that could cause damage in strong winds,13 including pot plants, tables and chairs. If anything is too large or heavy to bring inside, tie it down.
For people in houses or townhouses, storm preparation also involves checking your gutters, downpipes and drains are clear of debris, if it’s safe for you to do so.13 Those in high-rises might want to check that drains and grates on decks, balconies and terraces aren’t clogged.14
If your complex has shared outdoor spaces, you could ask your building management how they’ll secure them during extreme weather.
Prepare your windows and seals
“If you’re not taking steps to stop water getting in through your balcony or other sliding windows in a storm, water can easily get into your unit. It may then flow through your floor connection down to the unit below,” says David.
He adds that high-rise dwellers need to be particularly aware of the risk of wind-driven rain.
Storm preparation for those in a high-rise includes checking your windows and sliding doors and arranging repairs for any damaged seals.13 When a storm is coming, taping plastic sheets to the inside of your windows and sticking strong adhesive tape along the edges could help prevent water getting in.15
Know your rights as a renter
If you’re a renter – as many inner-city dwellers are – you might be wondering about your rights and responsibilities when it comes to damage caused by severe weather.
As a tenant, you’re required to report any rental property damage to your landlord right away, usually in writing. This includes letting them know of existing issues, such as leaks or loose railings, before a storm, as well as any damage that might have been caused by wild weather.
Landlords are typically responsible for repairing any damage to your building or structure, but check your lease agreement to be sure.
Know how to prepare for emergencies with limited space
In the city, you can get used to having everything you want on your doorstep. But in an emergency situation, you might not be able to get to your local store for some time.
While most emergency situations only last a few days, you could be without power or water for up to 14 days. So, having an emergency stockpile of food, drinking water, medication and other essentials is vital.16
“If you’re concerned about storing your stockpile in a small apartment, you might consider coordinating with your neighbours to share a freezer, pantry or other storage spaces,” suggests Geoff.
Put together an emergency kit
If you’re in a severe weather emergency, having a well-stocked emergency kit may minimise potential harm and discomfort.
Your kit might include:17
- A first-aid kit
- Essential medications
- Toiletries and spare clothes
- Important documents, such as IDs and insurance paperwork
- Power banks
- A torch
- A battery-powered radio.17
Store your kit in a waterproof container or bag and check it regularly to replace dead batteries and expired items.
Download useful apps for a severe weather emergency
If a severe storm is on its way, it’s critical to stay up to date with official news and weather warnings.
“Find out if your building or community has a WhatsApp or Facebook group, as these are a great way to stay connected and up to date on the latest information,” suggests Geoff.
You can also stay across a developing emergency through apps on your phone. Some to consider include:
- BOM Weather: Severe weather alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology18
- Australian Red Cross First Aid app: Evidence-based first-aid advice, disaster support, and access to emergency numbers19
- ABC Listen: Access to emergency broadcasts from ABC Radio20
Additionally, there are plenty of state- and territory-based emergency apps that can help you stay informed.
Check your insurance
Finally, it’s essential to check you’re insured for extreme weather, and to understand the finer points of your cover.
“If you’re the owner of a home in a complex, like an apartment, it’s likely your building is insured through a strata plan,” says Mervyn Hartley, Youi’s Head of Product, Home Insurance.
“However, it’s worth reviewing the details of your complex’s strata insurance as it may not cover personal effects or fixtures and fittings, such as flooring and tiles – so you might consider purchasing a contents-only policy.”
For renters, says Mervyn, it’s likely your building is covered by your landlord’s insurance.
“But you may want to look at renter’s insurance to cover your personal items, such as clothes, furniture and electronics,” he adds.
So, even as a city dweller, it’s important to know that you’re still at risk of wild weather – be that a storm, cyclone or flood. Luckily, with just a little planning, you can prepare yourself, your home and your family to better weather any storm.
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: The University of Melbourne – Extreme weather is Australia’s new normal, February 2025
2 Source: Better Health Channel – Urban flash floods - FAQs, June 2021
3 Source: EV Fire Safe – 04.12 EVs in flood water
4 Source: Tenants’ Union of NSW – Tips: Preparing for disasters as a renter, February 2025
5 Source: Qld Government – Cyclones and severe storms, March 2025
6 Source: NSW State Emergency Service – Electricity, gas and water safety information
7 Source: Essential Energy – Flood Safety
8 Source: Canstar Blue – Fuse Boxes and Switchboards Explained, January 2022
9 Source: Origin Energy – Find your meter
10 Source: Urban Utilities – Locating your isolation valve
11 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Storms and energy safety, May 2024
12 Source: Natural Hazards Research Australia – Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred a ‘practice run’, May 2025
13 Source: ABC News – Preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred? Here’s what to do and where to find sandbags, Mar 2025
14 Source: Victorian Building Authority – Water ingress – balconies, decks and terraces
15 Source: ABC News – What should I be doing as tropical cyclone Alfred hits?, March 2025
16 Source: NSW Health – Preparing for an emergency
17 Source: Qld Government – Pack an emergency kit
18 Source: Bureau of Meteorology – BOM Weather app
19 Source: Australian Red Cross – First Aid app
20 Source: ABC Listen – ABC listen app
