RAC has received more than 7,000 damage claims since the major storm event impacted Perth and the South West over the long weekend.
RAC Home Assessing Manager Glen Walkersaid the storm had affected thousands of homes in Perth and the South West.
“This was one of the most significant storm events we’ve experienced in recent memory, resulting in over 7,000 claims so far and counting,” Mr Walker said.
“Our team was receiving a call for help every two seconds on Monday. Many urgent repairs are already underway and we are continuing to respond to claims and coordinate repairs for members.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to ensure your home is prepared before the next severe storm hits,” said Mr Walker.
The most common items damaged over the weekend were fences and gates, ceilings, roofs and patios.
“It’s critical that debris such as fallen tree branches and other damaged items are cleaned up as soon as possible.
Clearing your gutters and downpipes and completing roof maintenance now can help prevent more major damage down the track.
While storms can last only a few hours, the damage can take weeks or even months to repair,” he said.
Storm related claims on motor vehicles also spike in winter months so it’s important to keep your vehicles under cover during winter.
In 2025, RAC received 24,000 storm related claims.
“We can’t control the weather, but we can minimise the damage by preparing early,” said Mr Walker.
Storm preparation checklist:
Trim trees and branches around your house to prevent them from falling on your roof or car.
Clear your gutters, downpipes and drains.
Check your roof for any signs of damage or moisture and have them repaired.
Make sure your fence is in good condition; check for holes, rust, unstable posts and sheets and have these repaired or replaced. It’s also wise to avoid leaning heavy objects against your fence and remove any large plants or trees that may be leaning on your fence too.
Secure loose objects outdoors such as furniture and play equipment to minimise the risk of them being blown around.
Prepare an emergency kit with a torch and spare batteries, a first aid kit and a power bank to charge phones and other devices.
Take photos of the interior and exterior of your house and car in case you need to make an insurance claim as a result of storm damage.