Book your free consultation

Send us an email and we will get back to you within the next 24 hours to schedule an appointment.

Roo Roofing Blog

DIY & HOME OWNER TIPS

19
Jul

4 safety precautions to consider when a storm approaches

Summer in Brisbane is a nice time of the year, but it's also when severe storms are most likely to occur. In today's blog, we're offering simple tips on precautions and safety measures you should take when a storm is on its way. If there are any others you believe deserve a mention, be sure to tell us about them in the comments below.

severe-storm-debris.jpg

Bring it in

Summer storms can get very vicious at times, which includes the presence of intense winds. These winds can turn everyday outdoor objects into potential projectiles that can damage other properties or, more importantly, be a risk to people and animals. Such objects may include outdoor furniture, potted plants, toys such as small bikes or cricket wickets, and so on. Essentially, any items that are loose and could be picked up when winds hit high speeds are hazardous during severe storms. So bring them inside.

Stay away

Another risk that comes with severe storms is the potential of glass breaking. Whether you're at home or in an office when the storm hits, those with strong winds or hail have a higher likelihood of causing damage to glass windows/walling. There's no need to explain how shattered glass can be dangerous, so just remember to stay away if the storm picks up. In terms of taping up windows, be aware that while this does slightly strengthen windows, it's a fairly negligible difference.

However, doing an X-shaped taping can help reduce the chances of glass completely shattering into numerous shards. But even if you do tape your windows or other glass panes, it's not a 100% guarantee that they won't shatter in an intense storm, so always proceed with caution and keep a distance from them.

What's the strongest room in your home?

If you're concerned that your home may sustain some pretty severe damage during a particular storm, then it's best to wait it out in one of the more structurally resistant parts of the house. In a number of homes, the strongest room can actually be the bathroom. However, the issue here is that many bathrooms also have windows, which could be dangerous in its own right. Ideally, you should go to a room in your house that's away from glass but you know is structurally solid.

Account for flooding

Do you live in a flood-prone area or have parts of your home that sit at the bottom of any inclines (e.g. your driveway slopes downwards into your garage/carport area)? If you do, heavy rain could lead to flooding. Along with using sandbags to block the water, you should also be prepared to store items on higher placed shelves or move them to a different level of your house. If you can, park your vehicles at a higher point (a nearby hill or even at the top of the incline on your property). In the event that hail could occur, see if you kind a safe, covered area that your vehicle can be left until the storm passes.

Storm-Season-Blog-CTA