Storms are coming: Tips for preparing your home Extreme thunderstorms, monsoonal rain, huge cyclones, flash floods, king tides and swollen rivers have swept away lives and property. Residents need to prepare for the worst - and the best thing that can happen is that your preparation is wasted in an uneventful summer. Here are our tips for keeping a roof over your head this storm season: General home maintenance: Keep the roof in good condition and check it regularly. Keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain quickly. Trim trees and overhanging branches close to the house (beware powerlines). Check and fix corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations and loose fittings. Before storm season: Ensure home, contents and car insurance are current and adequate. Check your policy includes debris clean-up and removal. Identify your strongest room to shelter in during a severe storm or cyclone. Identify where and how to turn off main supply for water, power and gas. Have items such as water storage containers, spare fuel for your vehicle (store it safely), camp stove and fuel for cooking without power. If you live in a flood-prone area: Store all poisons and garden chemicals well above ground level. Identify indoor items you will need to raise or empty if flood threatens. Consider alternatives to carpet and relocate power points to well above previous flood levels (using a licensed contractor). Prepare your own sandbags to protect your home. If you live in an area prone to cyclones or severe storms: Arrange for a professional builder to check your building and identify ways you can increase the structural security of your home to withstand high winds. Fit windows with shutters or metal screens for added protection during high winds. When warnings are issued for a cyclone or severe storm: Disconnect electrical appliances and external television / radio aerials and turn off electricity and gas main supplies if instructed to do so. Secure outdoor furniture and garden items. Fill buckets and bath with clean water in case of interruptions to water supply. Close windows with shutters or tape windows with strong tape. Draw curtains. When warnings are issued for flood: Disconnect all your electrical appliances. Move outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and household poisons to a higher location. Empty and raise freezers / refrigerators and stack or move your furniture, valuables and electrical items offsite. Sandbag internal drains and toilets to prevent sewage backflow. Move livestock, plant and feed to higher ground.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 04:13:12 +0000
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