Storm Season in Strata: Why it pays to be prepared

Announcement posted by Strata Match 12 Jan 2015

Last month, Brisbane's storm activity saw insurance companies clock over 2,000 calls in the first couple of hours of the storm taking place. What followed were insurance companies scrambling to process the claims as quickly and efficiently as possible bef

This storm season, it's more important than ever to make sure that you are well prepared. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that Queensland and New South Wales will be hit with numerous rounds of storms with the potential for very damaging results.

With a background in Body Corporate Management, Rebecca Kennedy, the Senior Tender Analyst for Strata Match, has seen the impact that a storm has had in the past on Strata Owners and stresses the significance of being prepared for any worst-case scenarios. To make sure that you are ready to tackle this storm season, she offers the following tips:

- Make sure all gutters are cleaned, roofs have current damage and that any current damage is repaired.

- Ensure that your body corporate's current insurance policy is up to date.

- Double check what is included and excluded in your policy and that the unit block is adequately covered for storm damage. If there are areas you believe should be improved or extra cover added make a list and be sure to bring it up with your Committee members.

- Secure all loose fittings on common property, such as umbrellas, plants, lounge chairs and tables.

- Check your own personal insurance policy for what you are covered for should storm damage occur. Remember: your own personal belongings are not covered by your body corporate's insurance.

- Make sure that signs detailing evacuation plans are placed around the complex and that every tenant and owner is aware of the procedures.

- Always make sure that the trees are maintained and trimmed. This reduces the risk of debris flying around during a storm

It is recommended that you have an Emergency kit, which could contain the following:

- Sand bags incase of any flash flooding.

- Heavy-duty black garbage bags and masking tape for bordering up any broken or damaged windows to prevent further damage to your property inside.

- Torch and radio.

- A list of radio stations which announce emergency information as well as a list of emergency numbers and hotlines.

- A "go bag" should you have to leave in a hurry. This could contain items such as your most important documents (passports, birth certificates etc.) as well as some clothes. Included in this should be a contingency plan of where you are going to go should you have to evacuate your house.

After the storm, it is crucial that you stay away from any fallen power lines and flooded roads and do a check of your property, complex and common areas for any damage. The committee should be notified of any damage found for further action.