With the recent wet weather over last week in the Ipswich, Toowoomba and surrounding areas, it is extremely important to ensure your home is ready to withstand the weather. Over the next week we are also expecting more wet weather and the odd thunderstorm, so here is our list of tips and tricks so you can be prepared in case things go south. It will also help ensure you have all the correct procedures in place for a stress-free storm season.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Check the condition of your roof and be sure to repair any loose tiles, eaves or screws. Also, make sure you clean our all the gutters and downpipes to create a clear path for water to flow through. Another easy job that you can do yourself is to trim trees and overhanging branches and secure any loose items you may have laying around your yard.
Other outdoor maintenance:
- Lawn damage: Identify the lower areas that could potentially create flooding. It may be a good idea to do some work to get them levelled out.
- Check your deck: Wash and clean your deck to get rid of the grime build up.
- Inspect your paths and walkways: Ensure there are no cracks and make sure all concrete surfaces drain away from the property.
Indoor maintenance:
- Test your smoke and fire alarms: With storm season so to comes the extreme heat. If you are trapped indoors this weekend it might be an idea to double check all your smoke alarms and ensure they are in good working condition.
- Clean out your air conditioners filter: Make sure you are cleaning both the indoor and outdoor units.
GENERAL PREPARATION
- Ensure all of your insurance policies are up to date and that your assets are adequately covered. In the event of an emergency, make sure you have a plan in place. This may include, identifying which room in the house is the strongest place to shelter and where to shut off the water, power and gas supply. You might also want to put together an emergency kit with a collection of necessities such as drinking water, spare fuel, masking tape for windows, and materials for sandbags.
FLOOD PRONE AREAS
- Store all poisons above ground level. Also, identify any objects that will need to be raised or emptied if flooding occurs. You may also want to consider alternatives to carpet floor coverings and relocating electrical sockets to well above ground level.
CYCLONE PRONE AREAS
- Fit windows with shutters or metal screens for extra protection. It also might be a good idea to have a chat to a builder about increasing your structural integrity for the future.
WHEN AN EMERGENCY WEATHER WARNING IS ISSUED:
The Queensland Government have released the following information regarding emergency weather warnings:
- Disconnect electrical appliances and all external television and radio aerials;
- Turn off electricity and gas main supplies if instructed by emergency authorities;
- Secure outdoor furniture and other garden items;
- Fill buckets and bath with clean water in case of interruptions to main supply;
- Close windows with shutters, or use strong tape in crisis—crossing pattern and draw curtains;
- Park vehicles under cover, away from trees, powerlines and waterways;
- If you cannot access undercover shelter for your vehicles, secure with firmly tied blankets to minimise hail damage;
- Check all household members are safe and are in the strongest room in the house;
- Take your Emergency Kit
- Tune in and listen to your local radio station for updates on the event and further warnings and safety message
HOSTING AN OPEN HOME IN THE RAIN
- Turn on the lights – Make sure your home is well lit so you can showcase the standout features.
- Fresh air – Avoid closing up every window just because it is wet out. You still want to ensure that there is some fresh air flowing throughout your home.
- Wipe your feet – Invest in a good absorbent mat for your front door so people can wipe their wet feet before entering.
- Umbrellas – Pop a basket at the front door for those inspecting to put their umbrellas in. It eliminates more water being brought into the house.
- Finishing touches – You want to make the space feel warm and welcoming despite the weather outside. Maybe try incorporating some finishing touches such as fresh flowers for that homey feel.
ABOUT US
iThink Property has a team of real estate agents in Ipswich and Toowoomba offering property sales and property management services. With a passion for people and property, iThink Property was conceived with the notion of building a team of good people to work in a real estate brand that did things differently. iThink Property focuses on transparency, communication, innovation and teamwork and has become a leading independent brand with unique points of difference. So whether you are thinking of buying, selling or renting, think iThink Property.
