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Checking a Home After a Storm

1 min readYour Next Move Real Estate
Weatherboard house with a front garden

Illustrative photograph · Esther Zheng / Unsplash

Guidance reviewed 3 October 2026.

Safety comes before inspecting or photographing damage after severe weather.

Wait for safe access

Follow emergency advice and do not enter an unsafe building, floodwater or an area with fallen powerlines. Keep away from damaged trees, unstable structures and suspected asbestos. Gas and electrical equipment need qualified assessment.

Document without taking risks

Photograph visible damage from a safe position and contact the insurer, landlord or agent as appropriate. Check the policy and obtain advice before non-urgent repairs that may affect a claim. Do not climb onto roofs or attempt live-equipment inspections. A storm checklist cannot establish that a building is safe to occupy.

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