In order to protect your home and family, be sure to do whatever you can to minimise the damage before the hailstorm hits.

- Clear your gutters of blockages and debris to minimise the chance of overflow of water.

- Have your roof inspected for damage and have any issues repaired.

- Remove any wear branches or trees within a close proximity to your home.

- Store all outside furniture and loose objects kept outside in an enclosed space or tie objects down.

- Be sure to keep your vehicles in a garage, under an overhang or purchase a hail protector cover to avoid costly repairs

When the storm surges in, you can be sure things like plant/flower pots, patio furniture, shades or kids’ trampolines could become harmful projectiles. All loose and light objects should be kept away in your garage as they are likely to be picked up by the wind and may cause damage. All heavier objects you have outside should be fastened down and covered in order to prevent hazards.

Bring all your household members and pets into a safer place inside your house and ensure all of your vehicles are safely parked inside the garage or under an overhang.

Our team of professionals here at Claim Assist recommend that you keep a VHF Marine weather radio and extra dry cells to power it for up-to-date information and instructions. You can find storm warnings about the storm and its progress as well as updates on hail sightings and wind speeds on government media website BoM.

Keep a keen eye out for tell-tale signs of impending thunderstorms like lightning flashes, strong winds, darkening skies, heavy rainfall and thunder rumbles.

Prepare an emergency supply kit which should have adequate provisions for your family to survive on for about three days. The kit should also include battery-powered torches, water and first-aid supplies.

Loose or damaged tiles or corrugated sheets on your roof should be firmly secured so it doesn’t become a projectile in enhancing the risk of floods to your home. Ensure your gutters and down-pipes have no blockages or a pile-up of debris. These can encourage flooding during heavy rainfall.

If considered feasible, construct barriers to prevent flood waters from going into the building. Openings in walls within the basement should also be sealed with waterproof compounds.