Australian storm season can arrive with very little warning. One afternoon the sky turns an ominous shade of green-grey, the wind picks up and suddenly rain is falling sideways. Within an hour, gutters are overflowing, branches are down and water is pooling in places it never has before. For many homeowners, the damage that follows could have been reduced, or avoided entirely, with a bit of preparation.

The good news is that most storm preparation is straightforward. A weekend spent checking the roof, clearing gutters, trimming trees and securing loose items can make a big difference. If your gutters are old, damaged or undersized, it may be time to call in a professional gutter installation service before the wet weather hits, because gutters are your home’s first line of defence against heavy rain.

Check your gutters and downpipes

Blocked or damaged gutters are one of the most common causes of storm-related water damage. When gutters can’t drain properly, water overflows and can seep into roof cavities, walls and foundations.

Clear leaves, twigs and debris from gutters and downpipes, and make sure water flows freely away from the house. Look for sagging sections, rust, holes and loose brackets. Gutter guards can reduce the build-up of leaves, particularly if you have overhanging trees.

If your gutters are leaking constantly, pulling away from the roofline or too small to cope with heavy downpours, replacement may be the more cost-effective option in the long run. Modern guttering systems are available in a range of profiles and materials designed to handle Australian conditions.

Always use ladders safely, and consider hiring a professional if working at heights makes you uncomfortable.

Inspect the roof

Your roof takes the full force of a storm. Before the season starts, look for cracked, broken or missing tiles, loose or rusted roof sheets and damaged flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights. Inside, check the ceiling for water stains, which can indicate existing leaks.

Small repairs now can prevent major damage later. A professional roof inspection can identify problems that are hard to spot from the ground, such as deteriorated pointing on tiled roofs or loose fixings on metal roofs.

Trim trees and secure the yard

Overhanging branches can damage roofs, cars, fences and power lines during strong winds. Trim branches that hang over the house or look weak or dead. For large trees or work near power lines, always use a qualified arborist.

Walk around the yard and secure or store anything that could become airborne in high winds, such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, bins, pot plants and garden tools. Check that fences and gates are in good condition and securely fixed.

Look at drainage and low points

Water needs somewhere to go during heavy rain. Check that stormwater drains, grates and pits on your property are clear of debris. Make sure garden beds, paving and landscaping don’t direct water towards the house.

If water regularly pools near the foundations or under the house, consider improving drainage with professional help. Sandbags can be useful in emergencies, so find out where your local council or SES provides them.

Prepare for power outages and emergencies

Storms often bring power outages. Keep torches, spare batteries, a battery-powered radio and charged power banks on hand. Check that your smoke alarms work and have fresh batteries.

Put together an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications and copies of important documents. Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if a severe storm warning is issued, and save the SES number, 132 500, in your phone for storm and flood assistance.

If you live in a bushfire-prone area, storm preparation and bushfire preparation often overlap. Clearing gutters of dry leaves, trimming vegetation near the house and keeping the yard tidy reduce both risks at once. It’s worth tackling these jobs together in late spring.

Review your insurance

Before storm season, review your home and contents insurance to understand what’s covered. Policies vary, and some may have exclusions for certain types of damage or maintenance-related issues. Taking photos of your home and belongings can help if you need to make a claim.

Storm season is a reality for much of Australia, but a little preparation can go a long way. By maintaining gutters, checking the roof, trimming trees and planning for emergencies, you can protect your home and family when the next big storm rolls in.