Storms in South East Queensland are known for their ferocity and unpredictability. Flash flooding, strong winds, hail and lightning are often experienced and there have been many catastrophic storm events in Brisbane’s history.

We can’t control the weather, but we can ensure that our homes are prepared as best they can be for storms, protecting our properties and ourselves.

Every year, it’s important to inspect your roof and home to check for any signs of damage. Even something small can become a serious issue when a storm hits. Any damage to your roof can quickly become hazardous to the integrity of your home.

Once you’re sure your roof is in good condition, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for impending storms.

1. Clear gutters, downpipes and drains

Once heavy rain hits, gutters and drains take the brunt of it. They can overflow very quickly if they are blocked and this can lead to large amounts of water pooling on your roof or overflowing at weaker points on the roof.

This can lead to damage to your roof and even water damage inside your roof structure and house.

Make sure you regularly check gutters and drains and remove any leaves or debris. You should also consider gutter guard on your gutters to prevent debris piling up.

2. Secure loose items around your property

Strong winds can wreak havoc on your property and surrounding areas. Loose or unsecured items can be picked up easily and become dangerous projectiles during a storm.

To best ensure your items don’t damage your property or neighbouring houses, make sure everything is properly secured or moved inside. Think about children’s toys, bicycles, outdoor furniture, BBQs, etc.

3. Maintain tree branches close to your house

Nearby trees can become very dangerous during a storm. Branches can easily break and damage your home and take down powerlines. If there are trees on your property that have overhanging or close branches, it’s safest to remove these.

If you’re not skilled in removing them yourself, contact a specialist arborist to remove them for you. They will also be able to assess the trees around your property and identify the dangerous branches or trees to remove.

4. Move important items off the ground if flood threatens

Even if your home is not in a flood plain, streets and properties can very quickly become flooded if there are drainage issues nearby.

Make sure that any important or dangerous items in your home and basement or garage are moved to higher ground. This is particularly important for electrical items and powerpoints, as these can become very dangerous if submerged in water.

5. Learn how to safely turn off your power, water and gas

To further protect yourself and your home, you may need to turn off the power, water and gas supplies to your property during a violent storm. This will ensure that you are safe if these services become damaged or contaminated.

Familiarise yourself with your powerbox, water meter and gas supply areas so that you know how to safely turn these off and then back on once the storm has passed.

Want to know more about how to prepare for storm season? You can download our guide here or by clicking on the image below.