13 Oct Storm Season is Here: How to Keep Your Home Safe

🌩️ Storm Season is Here: How to Keep Your Home Safe

Queensland’s storm season can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail. While your Oakvale Home is built to high-quality standards with weather resilience in mind, preparation and regular maintenance are key to keeping your home safe and protecting your investment.

Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof and gutters are your home’s first line of defence against storm damage. Before the peak season hits make sure you:

• Check the condition of your roof screws and seals.

• Clean gutters and downpipes to prevent blockages. Clogged gutters can cause water overflow, roof leaks, and damage to foundations.

• Consider gutter guards if cleaning is difficult – they reduce maintenance and help capture rainwater efficiently.

Secure Outdoor Items

Strong winds can turn outdoor furniture, garden pots, and decorations into dangerous projectiles:

• Bring in loose items like chairs, umbrellas, and trampolines.

• Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent damage to the roof or walls.

• Check that fences and gates are secure to avoid them collapsing in strong winds.

Protect Against Pests and Water Damage

Storms can increase the risk of water entering unwanted areas and attracting pests:

• Ensure drains and landscaping slope away from the house to avoid pooling water near foundations.

• Keep garden beds and shrubs a safe distance from the home to reduce termite access and maintain inspection zones.

• Schedule an annual pest inspection before storm season to detect any vulnerabilities early.

Service Essential Systems

Storms test your home’s systems, so make sure everything is functioning properly:

• Air conditioning units: Clean filters and check for loose components.

• Garage doors: Inspect balance, lubricate moving parts, and ensure smooth operation.

• Smoke alarms: Test and replace batteries if needed – storms can sometimes trigger power outages.

Emergency Preparedness

Even with all precautions, storms can be unpredictable. Be ready with:

• A storm safety kit: torch, batteries, first aid, and emergency contacts.

• A plan for family and pets during severe weather.

• Know how to safely turn off your power, gas, and water in an emergency.

• Review your home insurance: Ensure you have adequate coverage for storm damage and understand what is included in your policy.

• Contact information for your insurance provider in case damage occurs.

Regular Maintenance is Key

The best way to protect your home during storm season is ongoing care. Homes that are regularly maintained and inspected are more resilient to extreme weather. Oakvale Homes builds with quality and durability in mind, but homeowners play a crucial role in keeping their investment safe.

Storm season doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

📞 Need advice on preparing your Oakvale Home for storm season? Call us today on 1300 795 625 or visit oakvalehomes.com.au for more tips.