This is a timely reminder that the summer storm season is fast approaching. Whether you are an owner, tenant, or committee member there are some things to consider now to save a lot of potential trouble when the next storm hits.
The following is some timely maintenance ideas to ensure that you are prepared for the storm season every year:
- Ensure that gutters and downpipes are cleaned at least every 12 months, this will ensure free flow of excess water in to the storm water drains. In the event that this isn’t completed, issue may arise with water ingress and other blockages as a result.
- Report any maintenance issues with your building prior to the storm season – this will allow time for contractors to be able to access the roof prior to the bad weather
- Ensure evacuation diagrams and plans are up to date and walkways are clear of any obstacles
- Have items available at home ready to use (i.e torch or candles, mobile phone charged and car keys and purse is ready in the event you have to leave in a hurry)
- Check that any drainage systems around the building are clear of all foliage in order to allow water to freely run down, keeping any common areas free of excess water and slip hazards
What to do if you do experience a roof leak:
- Stay calm – A contractor won’t get up on the roof at the time pending on conditions and accessibility
- Clear the area of anything valuable, move the bed, couch, clothing. Put a bucket down and or towels if necessary
- If water continues to pool – poke a hole in the ceiling plaster to allow excess water to escape – this will minimise further damage and isolate the area where the leak is
- Notify Capitol of the issue as soon as possible
- Pending on the urgency you may need to contact the SES to provide assistance and tarp up the roof
- Always take as many photos as possible as this is always helpful for us and the contractor
Other helpful tips during the storm season are:
- Ensure that all of your items on your balconies are bought inside or securely fastened including plant, furniture and umbrellas.
- Make sure you have contents insurance and it is up to date
- Ensure that your trees are maintained and trimmed back away from any roof and guttering – this will not only reduce the leaves and twigs that accumulate on the roof and in the guttering but it will also prolong the life of your roof
- Be aware of what you are responsible to complete as an owner and what is Body Corporate
- Have a bag packed in case you should need to leave in a hurry, you may wish to keep any valuable and sentimental items in this bag also
- If you are in an area that is renowned for flash flooding or poor drainage, have sandbags available in the event these are needed
Capitol Resources
Office: 1300 655 751
Direct contact details for all of our Managers are available on our website Insurance information also available on Capitol’s website
Emergency Contact
Call us on 1300 015 597 if you have an emergency maintenance issue outside of business hours.
Insurance Information
Click here to visit our Resource Centre to find out what is covered by and excluded from body corporate insurance.
Local Council websites
Brisbane City Council
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Gold Coast City Council
Ipswich City Council
Logan City Council
Redland City Council
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council
Queensland storm resources
Queensland Government Disasters and Alerts
Get Ready Queensland
Bureau of Meteorology – Queensland Warnings Summary
Seqwater – Dam release notification service
Written by: Yvette Ellingham & Adi Neilsen
Backflow Prevention Device with RTL Trades