Weather Information

Be Aware

Understand your risks

Where you live, the type of home you live in, and your personal circumstances all play a part in how a storm, flood or heatwave may impact you. Understanding the risks to your property and yourself will help you prepare better.

Identify the potential risks for you and your family

Is your home likely to be impacted by severe weather events such as storm, hail and flood?

Talk to neighbours. What is their experience of past events such as storms and heatwaves?
Learn more about stormwater in your area from Melbourne Water.
Is there a history of flood affecting your area?
Are there large trees with branches overhanging your roof? They may prove a hazard during a storm.
Do you have any damaged tiles on the roof or structural cracks in the walls of your home?
Does your home have insulation to help keep it cool in summer?
Do you need a fan or air-conditioning?

How might your family be personally impacted by storm, flood or heatwave?

Does your family have any babies/young children, elderly people, pregnant women or ill members who may be impacted more by a heatwave?
Do you have friends or family who could assist care for children or elderly relatives if you were delayed during a severe weather event?
If you are likely to suffer from heat stress due to older age, frailty, illness or disability, join our Linking Neighbours program that organises volunteers to call older residents during heat waves and after flood events. For more information call ASSIST on 9209 6777.

Confirm that your insurance is adequate

Are both your home and its contents insured?
Will your insurance cover storm damage and flooding?
Will your insurance cover clean up and waste disposal costs?
Will your insurance replace new for old?
Is there a payout limit on repairs?
If you are unsure if your home is covered, seek advice from your insurance provider.
For further information, visit the Insurance Council of Australia website or call their hotline on 1300 444 557.

Learn about warnings

The Bureau of Meteorology issues storm and flood warnings. Visit their website and follow the prompts to ‘weather and warnings’ to learn what different warnings mean.
The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) wailing siren may be played on radio or TV before an urgent broadcast. If you hear this signal, stop and listen to the announcement carefully, as lives may be at risk
The Australian Government Emergency Alert delivers telephone-based emergency warnings. Visit their website to view the TV ads and register for the emergency alert system.
The local ABC radio station for the area is 774, ABC Melbourne. They will often interrupt regular broadcasting to bring information of emergencies.

Identify important phone numbers

000 - Life threatening emergencies, and if someone requires medical attention – Ambulance, Police and Fire.
132 500 – State Emergency Services (SES) - if you are in need of assistance from flood or storm events.
9209 6777 or 1300 360 170 - City of Port Phillip Assist. 4. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers next to the phone.

Bookmark emergency information websites

Join the conversation

Share your experiences and any tips you think could help others respond to future heatwave, storm or flood events? Visit our have your say webpage.

Next steps

Be prepared - plan for storms, floods and heatwaves

Be alert - when a warning is broadcast

Be safe - what to do during a storm, flood or heatwave

Evacuate - if you need to evacuate

Stay safe - what to do after a storm, flood or heatwave

For more information

For more information or if you require this publication in an alternative format, such as large print, audio, braille, or in a different language, please contact ASSIST on 9209 6777 or email assist@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

Printable information kit

Being safe during Storms, Floods and Heatwaves

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