As we all know, the weather all around the world is unpredictable. Whether it be climate change or 100-year cycle, who knows? All we know is that we need to be prepared for the unexpected.
Storms in Queensland can be spectacular but also fierce and destructive. The Boy Scouts have the right motto for such times – “Be Prepared”. Being prepared may not stop the unthinkable from happening, but it can lessen the blow.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare for the storm season ahead.
Secure your outdoor area
With the wild and wooly winds that we can encounter, anything that is not tied or screwed down can become a potential missile. This goes for everything from kids’ toys, outdoor furniture, cubby houses, dog houses and trampolines. The list goes on and on. Even if you think it is secure, check it and double check it. If you cannot secure the item, you may need to store it in a shed, under the patio, under the house or in the spare room. If you are going on holidays it is more important than ever to secure your items before you leave.
Any objects left in the yard that can hold water also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so make sure these items are cleared away as well.
Watch our video for more tips on How To Stop Mosquitos And Midges
Secure your indoor area
Check your house over for loose objects as well. Are all of your tiles secure or have you been meaning to fix that loose or broken tile for some time now?
Jump up into the roof via your manhole to check if you can see any light coming through. If you can, there is a good chance that there may be an opening for water to come through. You will need to make sure that this is fixed before the rain hits. A five-minute inexpensive job could save you lots of money and heartache should a major leak occur.
Make sure there are no trees hanging close to powerlines or your roof. If there are, give them a good trim to ensure that they will not hit in the high winds. Depending on where the tree is, you may need Council approval for this.
Also clean out your gutters and downpipes. If they are blocked, they could overflow into your roof space. If you have a Patio or Alfresco area attached to your home, make sure that you check the roof and gutters of these areas as well. Make sure all of the stormwater overflows in your yards are clear as well.
Get insurance
One of the most overlooked items with a lot of households is insurance. For some, this is an expense that they cannot afford. Shop around, there are some good deals out there and most insurance companies now accept monthly payments, which are much easier to manage than a huge payment once a year. The other thing to check is whether you will be covered for flood damage. Most insurance companies cover water damage dependent on how the water enters your home, and do usually not cover water damage if the water comes from above. You will also need to make sure that you have any additions such as a patio, patio enclosure or swimming pool enclosure are included in your insurance as well.
In the worst case, if your home is struck by severe weather, have a kit ready to go. Make sure this includes water, some first aid supplies, torch and anything else you can think of that you may need if the power goes out. Just remember if the power is out, often the gas is switched off as well. You can purchase the camp stoves from most Department stores or Camping stores that use the cannister gas. These work well in an emergency. Just make the most of your situation and have a camp out in the lounge with the kids.
Have a storm plan in place
Most importantly, make sure you have a plan ready to go if a storm hits. Not everyone will be home and you want to know that your family is safe and secure. Make sure you have a plan to ensure that each member of the family is accounted for — be it via SMS or a phone call. If you need to leave your home, have an emergency meeting point. Make sure that ALL of your household members are aware of this plan and know that they need to stick to it. There will be enough stress and worry without having to track someone down.
Hopefully none of us will have to sit through a storm or cyclone, but by following a few simple suggestions, you can help to minimise the risk and damage. Make sure that you listen to any advice given by the Emergency Services. Follow what they have to say, they are the experts after all.
Suncoast Outdoor Living
All of our outdoor living enclosures are built solidly and safety to handle our Aussie conditions and summer storms. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of your family and your home, we don’t cut corners or use cheap materials.
Phone us today on 1300 137 081 or email us on [email protected] to talk to our expert about how you can prepare your home for storm season.
