Cyclone Alfred is on its way, and with it comes the risk of torrential rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your property from stormwater and minimise potential water damage. Here’s a guide on how to prepare:
1. Gutters and Downspouts:
- Clean them out: Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and pool around your foundation, leading to leaks and damage. Clear out leaves, debris, and any blockages to ensure proper water flow.
- Check for damage: Inspect your gutters and downspouts for any damage, such as cracks, holes, or loose connections. Repair or replace damaged sections to prevent leaks.
- Extend downspouts: Ensure your downspouts extend far enough away from your foundation (at least 10 feet) to direct water away from the house. Use extensions if necessary.
2. Roof Inspection:
- Check for leaks: Inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, cracks, or leaks. Address any issues promptly to prevent water from entering your home.
- Secure loose items: Secure any loose items on your roof, such as antennas or satellite dishes, to prevent them from being blown off during high winds and causing damage.
3. Windows and Doors:
- Check for leaks: Inspect around windows and doors for any gaps or cracks where water could seep in. Seal any openings with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Ensure proper drainage: Make sure the ground around your windows and doors slopes away from your house to prevent water from pooling.
- Prepare for potential flooding: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing flood barriers or sandbags around doors and windows.
4. Foundation and Drainage:
- Inspect for cracks: Check your foundation for any cracks or damage that could allow water to enter your basement or crawlspace. Repair any cracks with sealant or concrete.
- Ensure proper grading: The ground around your house should slope away from the foundation to direct water away. If necessary, regrade the area to ensure proper drainage.
- Check drainage systems: If you have a drainage system, such as French drains or sump pumps, ensure they are functioning correctly. Clean out any debris or blockages.
5. Interior Preparation:
- Move valuables: Move valuable items, such as electronics, furniture, and documents, to higher ground to protect them from potential floodwaters.
- Prepare for power outages: Have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio on hand in case of power outages.
- Know your evacuation routes: If you live in a flood-prone area, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and have a plan in place in case you need to leave quickly.
6. Sandbagging:
- Protect low-lying areas: Use sandbags to protect low-lying areas around your home, such as doorways, windows, and vulnerable parts of the foundation.
- Create a barrier: Arrange sandbags in a staggered pattern to create a barrier against floodwaters.
7. Stay Informed and Monitor the Situation:
- Follow weather updates: Stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
- Listen to emergency broadcasts: Listen to local radio or television broadcasts for emergency information and instructions.
- Monitor water levels: If you live in a flood-prone area, monitor water levels and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
8. Post-Cyclone Actions:
- Assess damage: After the cyclone passes, conduct a thorough assessment of the property for any damage.
- Contact insurance: Contact the property’s insurance provider to report any damage and begin the claims process.
- Arrange repairs: Arrange for necessary repairs to be carried out as quickly as possible.
- Document everything: Document all damage with photos and notes for insurance purposes.
- Arrange for regular six-monthly maintenance: Schedule and conduct regular six-monthly maintenance on all stormwater assets to ensure optimal functionality and prevent potential issues.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage to your home and protect your belongings during Cyclone Alfred. Remember, it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when dealing with severe weather events.