Tapping, Perth: Dawn Paterson and her four kids are left homeless after terrifying near death experience at their home

A single mother and her four children were left homeless after their ceiling collapsed due to a storm and rainfall.

The ceiling of a house in Tapping, Perth, collapsed above the dining table on Thursday due to heavy winds and rain.

The family had eaten at the same place just a few hours ago.

Mother Dawn Paterson said the damage was so severe it looked like an “earthquake had struck”.

“I couldn’t believe the damage, I’m in shock,” she told 9News.

“It felt like there had been an earthquake and honestly I didn’t know what to do. Who do you call at 4 in the morning?”

There were said to be no structural problems with the 2006 house, according to a report that she bought three years ago.

“There were no indications or warning signs that this was going to happen,” she said.

Mother Dawn Paterson said the damage was so severe it looked like an earthquake had struck

It is still unclear whether the damage will be covered by insurance. Ms Paterson will have to find somewhere else to stay in the meantime.

After the ordeal, Mrs Paterson encouraged others to double-check the security of their homes.

“I would encourage people to take a good look at their ceilings and make sure they are intact and safe,” she said.

“Safety comes first when you have children, and I thought so too.”