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While the last few weeks has seen only a few short-lived and tame storms, the peak of storm season is still yet to arrive. Last year Cyclone Oma threatened to hit the coast of South East Queensland well after the end of our typical storm season and had everyone who’d switched to low alert mode in a scramble. The lesson here is that you can’t be complacent when it comes to storms!
Get Prepared!
With this mind – let’s get prepared! Number one on the list: get your property ready! The list of items below may seem like a given, but when a storm is around the corner, it’s easy to get in a spin, so here’s 7 items to tick off around the home before moving on to other preparations!
Preventative Measures
Often property damage is inevitable during a severe weather event however, there are 7 home hazards that if you address correctly, can help you minimise the damage that a storm may inflict on your property:
1. Loose items in the yard or balcony
These can be thrown during strong winds, be broken or cause breakages of other items.
2. Blocked gutters, downpipes or roof valleys
This can disrupt the way water is designed to flow down your roof and cause water damage issues.
3. Rusted holes in the roof or broken tiles
This may allow water to penetrate directly into the roof cavity potentially causing internal
problems with your building.
4. Tree branches close to the home
Branches may weaken and fall during a storm causing damage to the property underneath.
5. Weakened soil around tree base, and/or excess soil, mulch and garden waste around
the property
This may encourage trees to fall and allow debris to flow around your property.
6. Glass windows (or doors) without screens or shutters
Glass can break leaving sharp shards that may cause injury, whilst also leaving a hole where rain or
hail can enter the property.
7. Shades, sails and awnings that may be old or fitted incorrectly
These may come loose, get torn, or get blown around during strong winds.
To find out how to address these home hazards and minimise damage to your property, as well as tips for what to do before, during and after a severe storm, download our FREE Storm Season E-Book!
It contains all you need to know, including free resources such as checklists and templates to implement in your own home.
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—> NEXT: Severe Storm Safety – Teaching your family what to do during a storm
Updated 4th Jan 2020
Image 1 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brisbane_November_2014_Hailstorm_-_Hailstones.jpg
Image 2 Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-28/brisbane-storms-68000-residents-still-without-power/5924112
Image 3 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brisbane_November_2014_Hailstorm_-_Hailstones.jpg
