Checklist – Home Safety, Emergency Prep & Local Guidance – GeelongSearch

How to use this Geelong storm checklist

Start at the top and work down. Tick items as you complete them. Hover or tap the icons for short, plain-English tips written for Greater Geelong residents.

1. Outside the home: roof, gutters & garden

Focus on what wind, heavy rain and falling branches might do around your Geelong home.

Cleaned gutters and downpipes so water flows away from the house
Checked roof for loose tiles, sheets or ridge capping
Trimmed overhanging branches near roof, gutters and powerlines
Secured loose outdoor items (furniture, pots, toys, tools)
Checked drains around the home flow away from foundations
Stored ladders and tools so kids can’t access roof areas

2. Inside the home: safety, lighting & essentials

Get the inside of your home ready for blackouts, wind noise and sudden storm warnings.

Tested smoke alarms and replaced any old batteries
Stored at least one working torch in an easy-to-find spot
Put aside spare batteries, power bank and basic first-aid kit
Chosen a safe indoor room away from big windows
Stored 3–5 days of basic food, water and pet supplies
Kept important documents and backups together

3. Power, tech & alerts

Set up your phones, internet and backup gear so you stay informed and connected.

Saved key storm and outage websites on your phone
Checked modem, NBN and mobile coverage options
Decided which appliances you’ll switch off in a storm
Tested any generator, battery or solar backup safely
Kept long leads and powerboards off the floor
Talked to your electrician about surge protection

4. Family plan, neighbours & after-storm steps

Make a simple plan so everyone knows what to do and who to call in a Geelong storm.

Written down key phone numbers for emergencies
Talked through a simple family storm plan
Checked on any neighbours who may need extra help
Understood insurance basics for storm and flood damage
Chosen where to store photos and receipts after a storm
Planned to use licensed tradies for dangerous repairs

This Geelong storm & emergency readiness checklist is general information only. Always follow instructions from official emergency services and local authorities.