10 steps to cyclone prep these holidays
Cyclone season is here and if you haven’t already, now is the ideal time to make sure your property is prepared.
The Mackay region has a high risk of being impacted by cyclones during the wet season or cyclone season, which officially runs from November 1 to May, says the Mackay Regional Council.
In Mackay, during cyclone season from 1910-1992, 43 tropical cyclones passed within 150km of Mackay, according to BoM and one of the worst tropical cyclones, not only in Queensland but Australian history, hit Mackay on 20 January 1918. According to Higgins Storm Chasing, the eye of the unnamed cyclone was believed to have crossed a few kilometres North of Mackay, buffeting the city of Mackay with very destructive Category 4 strength winds.
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Therefore, if you haven’t already, it is important to dedicate some time over the Christmas holidays to take simple steps to clean up your property and help prepare your household in the event of a natural disaster.
Here’s how:
1. Inspect and maintain roofs
Conduct a thorough inspection of your roof for any signs of damage, loose or missing tiles, or weakened areas. Repair and reinforce the roof as needed to prevent leaks or structural issues during storms.
2. Clear gutters and downspouts
Clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Remove debris, leaves, and any blockages that might hinder water flow. This helps prevent water buildup and potential flooding.
3. Trim trees and branches
Trim trees and branches that are close to your buildings. This is to reduce the risk of branches falling on the roof or causing damage during high winds. Always check with your local council first.
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4. House maintenance
Fix any rust, loose fittings and rotting or termite-affected timber around your property.
5. Water
Have good access to water around your house e.g. tanks, swimming pools. Don’t rely on electric pumps and town water because these may stop working in extreme weather.
6. Secure outdoor items
Secure or store outdoor furniture, toys, and equipment. These items can become projectiles during storms, causing damage to the property or posing risks to safety.
7. Check and secure windows and doors
Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed and secure. Replace worn-out weather stripping and install storm shutters or board up windows if necessary.
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8. Debris and garden waste
Keep your yard clear of leaves and rubbish. Remove vegetation around fence lines.
9. Backup important documents and electronics
Make digital copies of important documents and store them securely in the cloud or on an external hard drive. Protect electronics by unplugging them during storms to prevent damage from power surges.
10. Create an Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit containing essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, and medications. Keep the kit easily accessible in case of power outages or evacuation needs.
Renting? Alert your landlord or property manager of any maintenance that needs to take place around your home.
For more information, visit Get Ready Queensland.
