24/02/2023
SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE FOR A STORM
There are a few simple things that you can do now to prepare your home and help reduce the potential damage caused by severe storms.
Secure or store items that could blow around in strong winds.
Strong winds can pick up items such as outdoor furniture, trampolines and roofing iron causing damage to windows, roof and cars. Storms can affect your home even if you’re on holiday, so if you are going away consider securing these items and following other relevant steps before leaving.
Park your vehicles under cover in case of hailstorms.
Clean your gutters, down pipes, and drains regularly to prevent blockages.
Keeping your gutters and downpipes clear is important as blockages can cause the water to overflow under the leaves into the roof cavity.
Clear leaves from the valleys of your roof as these will make their way into the gutters in heavy rain.
Keep the drains around your property clear to help surface water move away and prevent water from pooling and entering your property.
Pot plants in courtyards and around houses are often used to hide drainage grates. Make sure to move these if heavy rain is likely.
Trim trees and branches that could potentially fall on your home or property.
Remember to park your car away from trees in case of strong winds.
Fix any damage to your roof, including broken or missing tiles.
Your roof should be checked every year (or after major events such as hailstorms) for signs of damage. Fix any cracked, broken, or displaced tiles.
The build-up of dirt should be removed as it can block the drainage channels on the underside of tiles.
Damaged roof sheeting may need to be patched or replaced.
Check your insurance policy is current and adequate.
Consider things like the type of coverage (building insurance for homeowners, contents insurance, etc.)
Consider whether the insured values are correct.
Prepare an emergency kit with essential items in case you lose power.
