Roof leaking in a storm: what to do now

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your own strata plan, by-laws and policy, and ask a qualified adviser about your situation.

First, stay safe

• Call 000 if anyone is hurt or trapped. The NSW SES says to call Triple Zero if anyone is trapped or injured in a storm, and for life-threatening powerline situations.
• Stay off the roof. SafeWork NSW lists the dangers on residential roofs, including unprotected edges, fragile surfaces and skylights. It says wind and rain can blow a person off the edge or make the roof slippery (SafeWork NSW).
• Keep clear if something has hit the roof. If a fallen tree, branch or other large debris has struck your roof, the NSW SES says to stay clear and remain indoors if you can. The structure may be weakened even if you can’t see damage (NSW SES).
• Stay away from powerlines. The NSW SES says to treat fallen powerlines as live and stay at least 8 metres away.
• Be careful with power. If water has got into the property, ASIC says not to turn the electricity on until an electrician has inspected it.

When to call the NSW SES

Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if your roof is damaged or leaking, a tree has fallen or may fall on your home, or your property is flooded (NSW SES).

The SES responds to the most urgent calls first. Its volunteers give temporary help to keep your home safe. They don’t do permanent repairs: for those, the SES says to contact your insurer or a private contractor.

Write down the reference number you’re given and keep your phone nearby. If you no longer need help, call 132 500 again and cancel, so others aren’t delayed.

Protect your home and record the damage

1. Make people, pets and property safe. That’s the first step ASIC gives after a storm. Move belongings away from the water if it’s safe to do so.
2. Photograph before you clean up. ASIC suggests taking photos or video of the damage to your property and belongings before you start cleaning up, and making a list of what’s damaged.
3. Tell your insurer. Moneysmart says to contact your insurer about any damage and lodge a claim even if you’re not sure it’s covered. If you can’t remember who your insurer is, the Insurance Council of Australia’s disaster hotline is 1800 734 621.
4. Talk to your insurer before repairs. ASIC says you should generally discuss any repairs with your insurer before taking action.

Will insurance cover it?

Generally, but it depends on your policy and the cause. Moneysmart says home and contents policies generally cover storm damage, including rain and hail. Rainwater is usually defined as water that falls from the sky. See our guide: can you claim a leaking roof on insurance?

Watch out for storm chasers

After big storms, some operators look for quick work. Moneysmart says to be careful of anyone who door knocks, calls out of the blue or leaves leaflets, to watch out for today-only deals, and not to pay cash up front. ASIC warns about anyone who asks for payment up front or wants you to sign a contract straight away, and says not to sign anything that stops you dealing directly with your insurer.

You can report a scammer or fake tradesperson to the ACCC on 1300 795 995 (Moneysmart).

After the storm passes

The NSW SES says to check your house for damage, and to have damaged structures, electrical items and insurance matters assessed by qualified people (NSW SES). Its storm advice also says to fix roof damage, including broken or missing tiles and leaks, as part of getting ready for storms.

A roofer can find where the water got in, make the permanent repair and give you photos of the damage. That record helps your insurer see what the storm did.

How JSJ can help

Inspections are free for home owners, with no obligation. A qualified roofer inspects the roof, finds the cause and photographs it. We’ll contact you by the next business day to arrange an inspection. After the inspection you get a written quote with photos within 24 hours. We don’t decide claims or give insurance advice.

See roof leak repairs.

Common questions

Who do I call if my roof is leaking in a storm?

The NSW SES on 132 500 for emergency help if your roof is damaged or leaking. Call Triple Zero (000) if anyone is trapped or injured. For the permanent repair, the SES says to contact your insurer or a private contractor.

Will the SES fix my roof?

Not permanently. The NSW SES says its volunteers give temporary help to keep your home safe, and it responds to the most urgent calls first. It doesn’t do permanent repairs.

Should I get on the roof to cover the damage?

No. SafeWork NSW lists the dangers on residential roofs, including unprotected edges, fragile surfaces and skylights, and says wind and rain can blow a person off or make the roof slippery. If something has hit the roof, the NSW SES says to stay clear.

Should I talk to my insurer before getting repairs done?

Generally, yes. ASIC says to discuss repairs with your insurer before taking action, and to photograph the damage before you clean up. Moneysmart says to lodge a claim even if you’re not sure you’re covered.

Is the inspection free?

Inspections are free for home owners, with no obligation. You don’t need to be home.

What will JSJ give me after the inspection?

We’ll contact you by the next business day to arrange an inspection. After the inspection you get a written quote with photos within 24 hours. We don’t decide claims or give insurance advice.

Sources

Checked 1 November 2026. Rules and policies change, so check the source for the current position.

• When to call the NSW SES (flyer, 2025) (NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES))
• Storm season (NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES))
• Severe storms damage homes and bring down powerlines (26 November 2025) (NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES))
• Fall from residential roof (incident information release) (SafeWork NSW)
• NSW and Queensland severe storms and floods: what to do if you are affected (2021) (Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC))
• What to do after a natural disaster (fact sheet) (Moneysmart (ASIC))
• Storm, flood and fire insurance (Moneysmart (ASIC))