Emergency Roof Leak Guide : What to Do and Who to Call

It’s 2 a.m., and the howling winds of Cyclone ‘Serenity’ are battering Mackay and The Whitsundays. Torrential rain is hammering down, each drop hitting your roof like the beat of a drum. You’re huddled inside, listening to the storm rage outside, when you hear it—a sudden, alarming CRASH followed by a rapid “drip, drip, drip.” Your roof is now a pressing issue. Your heart sinks as you realise that your roof, the very thing supposed to keep you safe and dry, is letting you down. The clock is ticking, and every drop from the leaking roof is a reminder that you need to act fast. What do you do?

(Circumstances vary so please take this as general advice only)

Immediate Actions to Take When Your Roof Leaks

Assess the Situation Safely

Before taking any action, ensure that it’s safe to do so. Avoid stepping on wet surfaces, especially if they’re slippery.

Contain the Leaks

Place a bucket or large container under the leak to catch the water. If possible, use towels or rags to absorb any water that has spread due to the leaking roof.

Remove Nearby Items

Move furniture, electronics, and other valuables away from the area affected by the leak to prevent water damage. Turn off electrical items near the leak to avoid electrical hazards.

Plastic Sheets

If you have plastic sheets or Tarps available, you can spread them out to protect larger areas, such as furniture or electronics from potential water damage

Assess the Situation (AGAIN)

Safety First

Given that it’s a cyclone, venturing outside to inspect the roof is not advisable. Check your surroundings for possible danger and move away from that particular spot if needed.

Emergency Contacts

If anyone is in immediate danger due to a roof issue, call Triple Zero (000). Keep in mind that during a cyclone, emergency services may take time to reach you.

For significant leaks and roof damage, call your EMERGENCY PLUMBER ie us – Everyday Roofing and Plumbing on 0400 134 599 We’re open 24 hours per day.

If your roof is in catastrophic condition you can also call the SES on 132 500.
SES also has an app available on Google Play and the App Store. It’s a good idea to download this app beforehand, just in case.

Remember though, SES teams are made up of volunteers who provide their services for free. They can only assist when it’s safe, and they may be swamped with calls. Only call them for leaking roof situations when genuinely needed.

Consider using Tarps for emergency covers. If it’s safe to do so, cover the leaking area with a waterproof tarp and secure it with ropes or heavy objects. This is a temporary measure for your leaking roof and should be replaced with a permanent fix as soon as possible.

Call to Action

Be Prepared

Don’t wait for the next cyclone to discover you have a leaking roof. Be proactive and schedule a professional roof inspection today with us. Share this article with friends and family to help them stay prepared too. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Take our details down and save them to your phone. 

Our number is  0400 134 599  and we’re open 24 hours a day.

Download the SES App

Knowledge is power, especially in emergency situations.
Download the SES app now to have crucial information at your fingertips ( Here for Apple, or Here For Android).

Buy a Tarp or two 

Tarps and rope cost only a few dollars and are invaluable for emergency situations. Store them close by and have them ready for use.

And if you found this guide helpful, share it with your community. Together, we can weather any storm.