Prepare your home for extreme weather conditions

Your home is probably your most valuable asset, and also the first place you would shelter in extreme conditions. Whether we are experiencing signs of global warming or simply a more extreme natural variation, Australia has been hit by fires, floods and storms with a vengeance recently. It is wise to protect your home against some of the more common forms of extreme weather.

Extreme weather conditions: How to prepare your home

In Australia, the most common forms of extreme weather are drought, fires, floods, storms and wind.

• Drought has more long term impacts on your home, damaging paintwork and exterior features, and causing cracking of foundations and brickwork if it is prolonged enough for the ground to dry out profoundly. In long droughts, check the foundations regularly, and water them if possible if cracking is likely. Use a reflective, sun tolerant paint in drought prone areas, and set up your home and garden to conserve water
• Protect your home from fire by having and following a yearly fire plan. In winter, reduce fuel such as fallen timber and overgrown vegetation around your home. Keep gutters clean and don't plant a lot of eucalyptus trees close to your home, as these contain volatile flammable oils. Ensure any flammable substances such as mower fuel are stored away from your home, and install a sprinkler system. In fire prone areas, plan to leave early; do NOT stay to defend your home at the serious risk of your life.
• Storm and wind damage to homes generally occurs through hail, water, or tree falls. Avoid building near large eucalyptus or planting these near your home, as they are very keen to toss limbs in high winds. Ensure any leaks in roofs or around windows and doors are repaired to avoid water damage. Clear loose large objects from around the house and regularly check drains and gutters.
• Prevent water entering your home for as long as possible in floods by doing regular maintenance. Ensure drains are kept clear, use waterproof sealants around doors, windows and other gaps, have extended concrete footings and waterproof membranes installed in your floor during the building process, get a plumber to install anti - backflow valves in drains, sewers and pipes, and have a supply of sandbags or other water resistant materials to hand in flood prone areas
• If you live in a cyclone prone area, you will need to take special precautions.

Preparing your home may save it from being damaged or even destroyed in extreme weather, but always remember that the safety of you and your family are paramount.

Your home in extreme conditions

You can take steps to protect your home by preparing it for extreme conditions. Familiarise yourself with the likely scenarios in your area, and prepare your home accordingly. Always put the safety of you and your family first, and check with local emergency authorities about other safety measures in fires, floods, storms and cyclones.