Severe windstorm: protecting your property
Severe windstorm: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.
Quick answer
4 steps — read this before anything else
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1
Park vehicles away from large trees.
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2
Bring in or anchor patio furniture and bins.
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3
Skip forest walks during wind warnings.
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4
Report leaning or cracked trees to the council.
Warning
Most storm injuries come from flying debris and falling branches.
When a severe windstorm happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.
What to do right now
- Park vehicles away from large trees.
- Bring in or anchor patio furniture and bins.
- Skip forest walks during wind warnings.
- Report leaning or cracked trees to the council.
Mistakes to avoid
- Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
- Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
- Following unverified advice from random websites.
How to prevent this in the future
Regular checks, keeping emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.
When should I call emergency services?
Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.
Spotted an error? Report it — we correct factual mistakes promptly.