7NEWS.com.au and Suncorp have teamed up to tell you how you can prepare for storms before they hit.

The cyclone season is upon us, and you can never be too prepared when it comes to protecting your family and your property.

To avoid last-minute panic, here’s what you can do now to weatherproof your home and enjoy peace of mind that you’re ready for storm season.

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The brute force of a cyclone can turn anything in your backyard into missiles and damage your property. If you have trees, trim back any overhanging branches to avoid them crashing down after strong gusts of wind. Prune back any other plants that may prove obstructive.

When the rain barrels through you’ll be happy you checked your gutters. If you don’t want to jump on a ladder, grab a selfie stick to determine the clean-up effort required. Removing debris from your gutters and downpipes is as easy as using a garden cultivator, a gutter scooper or your trusty hands with a good pair of gloves.

You should make it a priority to assess your roof every year for signs of damage. The roof is the most obvious point of entry for rain, but it’s not always easy to know if it’s going to leak. Start by checking for damaged and loose tiles or raised corners of corrugated sheets. Working on a roof can be dangerous, so it’s best to get in touch with a qualified tradie to repair loose tiles, eaves and screws.

Assessing the inside of your roof space is also a good idea. If you see light shining through, it may indicate your roof or sarking (layer of waterproof protection) is damaged.

The best protection for your windows is to invest in shutters or guards. Other options include fastening plywood sheets over your windows or using duct tape to create an X shape over the windows. This helps keep the glass intact and minimise the likelihood of shattering.

Strong winds can turn your backyard on its head. Consider putting away any outdoor furniture you’re not using, otherwise, secure your furniture and any toys (including trampolines) to avoid them being blown away and causing damage.

If your garden shed isn’t anchored to a concrete slab, you run the risk of it toppling over or being ripped apart in high winds. The wind rating of your freestanding shed will determine whether you need to reinforce it further. Check the rating sticker located on your shed, or get in touch with your local council to review your building approval documents.

Take extra precautions where you can by knowing where and how to shut off your mains supply for water, power and gas. Electricity and water don’t mix, and you don’t want to have to deal with a burst pipe after a heavy storm.

What would you do in the event of an emergency? Create an emergency plan that every member of your household is aware of. Things to consider include:

Prepare an emergency kit with essential items you’ll need, in case you lose power or need to leave home in an emergency. This includes non-perishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, any prescription medicine, personal hygiene items, flashlight, clothing, phone charger and important documents. It’s a good idea to store all your items in a waterproof container.

Make sure your insurance policy is current, and understand what you’re covered for. Check whether you’re insured for flash floods, stormwater runoff and damage to properties by trees. If you’re unsure contact your insurance provider.

Lastly, get in the habit of listening out for weather warnings so you can be fully prepared when the wild weather does hit.

Being prepared will help reduce damage to your property, and protect you from the financial impact and emotional heartbreak of cyclones and major storms. Suncorp is here to help Queenslanders protect their home this storm season, with reliable home and property insurance that covers you when you need it most. Visit the website to find the right cover for you.