Roof Tarp / Make Safe — Geelong
Stabilise leaks fast without putting anyone at risk. Use licensed trades for high or complex work.
Safety first: Never climb on a wet or unstable roof. Treat all fallen lines as live. Call 000 if life-threatening.
What to do in the first 60 minutes
A practical sequence to make the area safe and limit further water ingress.
ISOLATE
Keep people clear of the danger zone below damaged roofing. Move valuables and cover furniture with plastic drop sheets or towels.
POWER
If water is near lights or wiring, switch power off at the main board only if it’s safe to reach with dry shoes and hands. When in doubt, wait for a licensed electrician.
EVIDENCE
Take photos and short video: wide → medium → close. Capture inside and outside, plus any serial numbers or builder invoices you can find.
TEMP CONTAIN
Place buckets under active drips. Poke a small relief hole in swollen ceiling plaster to drain water into a bucket (only if the ceiling is sagging and you can stand clear).
CALLS
Contact your insurer and ask what “make-safe” they approve. If trees are involved or power risks exist, phone VICSES 132 500.
TARP PLAN
Use a heavy-duty tarp that extends at least 600 mm past damage in all directions. Secure to solid framing points, not just tiles or sheeting. Avoid roof access in rain, wind, or at night.
Quick materials & checks
Suggested kit
- Heavy-duty tarp (reinforced eyelets)
- Ropes, ratchet straps, sandbags or timber battens
- Plastic sheeting, gaffer tape, buckets, towels
- Gloves, eye protection, non-slip shoes
Do / Don’t
- Do work from the ground where possible
- Do engage licensed roofers for height work
- Don’t walk on wet tiles / metal sheets
- Don’t fix into live services or brittle sheeting
Tarp size helper
Suggested tarp size: —
We add overlap on all sides + a small safety margin. Choose the next size up that’s commercially available.
Documentation & follow-up
Email photos, times, and actions to yourself. Share with your insurer and trades. Replace temporary tarps with permanent repairs promptly.