Are you cyclone ready?
What to do before a Cyclone
The wet season is drawing near with cyclone season officially starting on the 1st November.
Cyclones are unpredictable and living in the Far North most people would agree that being prepared is the only way to be!
Living in Cairns if a cyclone hits the chances are that roads will be closed and food and fuel trucks will not be able to access the area. Always be prepared for a cyclone by having the following items prepared:
·
What to do before a Cyclone
The wet season is drawing near with cyclone season officially starting on the 1st November.
Cyclones are unpredictable and living in the Far North most people would agree that being prepared is the only way to be!
Living in Cairns if a cyclone hits the chances are that roads will be closed and food and fuel trucks will not be able to access the area. Always be prepared for a cyclone by having the following items prepared:
·
Torch with fresh batteries
· Candles or battery lamps
· Tinned food
· Gas Cooker
· Water bottles – 10L per person
· Battery operated radio
· First Aid Kit
· Gas Bottles filled
· Petrol tank in your car filled
· CASH – cash is king and power will likely be lost if a cyclone hits, make sure you have cash on hand
· Medications
· Emergency numbers
· Charge all your phones and electronic devices, if you have a portable charger make sure this has also been charged to capacity
· Pet food and water
After preparing yourself and your family the next step is making sure that your property is able to sustain a cyclone.
Cyclones can cause significant damage to properties, some of the key areas to check before the cyclone season starts are:
Roof
· Roof screws – checking the neoprene or rubber seals on the cyclone washers to ensure that they are secure and not deteriorating
· Gutters – ensuring that all gutters are fastened securely to your fascia, also check that gutters are clear from debris which may block stormwater drains and downpipes. Blocked stormwater drains and pipes can result in water flooding back into habitable areas of your property and can cause significant structural and aesthetic damage
· Battens and Roof structure – inspection of your roof cavity via inspection openings in your ceiling is the best indication to see whether or not your roof will make it through a storm/cyclone event. Check for previous water damage, fasteners that have come loose, perished insulation, bowed timber/metal supports and any gaps that you may see daylight through (areas where there are gaps can allow wind to penetrate the roof space building pressure on your flashings and roof sheets which loosens your fasteners supporting them and can cause your roof to lift)
· Large Trees – ensure that any trees with overhanging branches are trimmed and/or removed. Damage caused by falling trees can be significant and may not be covered by some insurance companies
External Air Conditioning Units
· Check that bracketing on condensor units is firm and cannot be moved
· Check all pipework and ducting is secured
Hot Water Unit
· Check all the pipework and brackets are fastened securely
· Check the tank is not sitting on loose footings as wind may be able to push it over and damage pipe connections
· For solar hot water systems ensure tank and panels are secured to the roof and fasteners are not corroded
The above list is not exhaustive but provides the key areas to check.
At Plumbnorth our team of experienced Plumbers can assist you with Roofing inspections pre and post cyclone. Ensure that you are cyclone ready and contact us on 0411 748 650 to organise your inspection today.
· Candles or battery lamps
· Tinned food
· Gas Cooker
· Water bottles – 10L per person
· Battery operated radio
· First Aid Kit
· Gas Bottles filled
· Petrol tank in your car filled
· CASH – cash is king and power will likely be lost if a cyclone hits, make sure you have cash on hand
· Medications
· Emergency numbers
· Charge all your phones and electronic devices, if you have a portable charger make sure this has also been charged to capacity
· Pet food and water
After preparing yourself and your family the next step is making sure that your property is able to sustain a cyclone.
Cyclones can cause significant damage to properties, some of the key areas to check before the cyclone season starts are:
Roof
· Roof screws – checking the neoprene or rubber seals on the cyclone washers to ensure that they are secure and not deteriorating
· Gutters – ensuring that all gutters are fastened securely to your fascia, also check that gutters are clear from debris which may block stormwater drains and downpipes. Blocked stormwater drains and pipes can result in water flooding back into habitable areas of your property and can cause significant structural and aesthetic damage
· Battens and Roof structure – inspection of your roof cavity via inspection openings in your ceiling is the best indication to see whether or not your roof will make it through a storm/cyclone event. Check for previous water damage, fasteners that have come loose, perished insulation, bowed timber/metal supports and any gaps that you may see daylight through (areas where there are gaps can allow wind to penetrate the roof space building pressure on your flashings and roof sheets which loosens your fasteners supporting them and can cause your roof to lift)
· Large Trees – ensure that any trees with overhanging branches are trimmed and/or removed. Damage caused by falling trees can be significant and may not be covered by some insurance companies
External Air Conditioning Units
· Check that bracketing on condensor units is firm and cannot be moved
· Check all pipework and ducting is secured
Hot Water Unit
· Check all the pipework and brackets are fastened securely
· Check the tank is not sitting on loose footings as wind may be able to push it over and damage pipe connections
· For solar hot water systems ensure tank and panels are secured to the roof and fasteners are not corroded
The above list is not exhaustive but provides the key areas to check.
At Plumbnorth our team of experienced Plumbers can assist you with Roofing inspections pre and post cyclone. Ensure that you are cyclone ready and contact us on 0411 748 650 to organise your inspection today.
