It’s time to baton down the hatches with an effective plan for storm-proofing your home.
Every year, homes and businesses lose billions of dollars to storms and flooding. Yet almost a third of Australians aged between 18 and 44 don’t have a strategy in place to deal with the havoc a storm can wreak.
Read on for the measures you need to put in place, from power backup solutions to handy household tips so you and your home stay better protected.
Preparing Your Home for the Storm Season
A great place to start is by taking a good look around the outside of your home. Ensure you secure or store any items that strong winds could pick up and blow around. That includes bigger pieces of furniture and trampolines.
When any of these items get swept up by the wind, they can cause severe damage to the structure of a building and cars. It is imperative to remember to secure outdoor areas if you are planning to be away for extended periods when an unexpected storm might strike.
Remove All Obstructions
Keep all gutters, drains and downpipes clean. This helps reduce the risk of blockages that can cause water to overflow under the eaves and into the roof cavity. Keep roofs clear of leaves, as these can shift and get into the gutters during periods of heavy rainfall.
Many people use pot plants to hide outdoor drainage grates. Be sure to move these if heavy rain is forecast. Always park your vehicle away from drains and low-lying areas whenever there’s a chance of heavy rain.
Keep Your Trees Well-Trimmed
Cut back branches from trees that could fall on your property during a storm. You should always check with your local council first in case any regulations or consent applications apply.
Your safety is of paramount importance, so get a quote from a qualified tree surgeon if necessary. You should seek their advice every two to three years about any preventative action you need to take.
If you’re planning to plant shrubs and trees, weigh up the size they’re likely to be when mature. You should take that into account when deciding precisely where to plant them.
Maintain Your Roof Regularly
Watch roofs for broken, cracked or missing tiles and get them fixed if necessary. You should always check your roof after big hailstorms for any signs of damage to the tiles or dents in your colorbond roof. Remove any buildup of dirt that might block the drainage channels.
If any light is shining through the underside of your roof, it may be a sign that your insulation membrane has suffered damage. Get an expert to inspect your roof every 5-7 years. They’ll be able to advise you on any repointing and re-bedding or if the ridge and hip caps need replacing.
Make Yourself an Emergency Kit
Put together all the essential items you might need in the event of a loss of power or in case you have to leave home in an emergency. You should keep them in a sturdy, waterproof container. Here’s a handy checklist:
- Torches, bottled water, batteries and non-perishable foods
- Important documents, contact list, essential medications and prescriptions
- A waterproof bag for valuables
- A portable radio with spare batteries
- First aid kit, candles and waterproof matches
- Crucial supplies for babies and any disabled or elderly family members
- A copy of home emergency plans
Have a set of useful apps available so you can check for the latest weather updates. Talk through all safety protocols with all the family and consider how to include pets in your plans.
You should check your insurance policy to ensure you have sufficient cover for storm repairs. Consult your insurer to find out how you would go about making a claim in the event of storm damage.
Looking at the bigger picture, you might want to consider power backup solutions. Not only is power essential for keeping us cool during the summer but also our food. Additionally, most of us rely heavily on a steady electricity supply for work, keeping in touch and researching almost everything, including the weather. A loss of power can make us feel at a complete loss.
The Importance of Power Backup Solutions
MaxWatt generators are the ideal power backup solutions for the home. You can use them to fire up cooking appliances, power a fridge, run laptops and smartphones or even charge batteries. We’ve selected three from the MaxWatt range that are ideal for providing a backup power supply for when you need it most. Here are details about our top solutions:
9kVA Petrol Generator Electric Start
This operates with a push-button start system. The large tank can hold 40L of petrol, and there’s a useful low oil sensor. A special low idle mode ensures fuel economy. The sturdy wheels and telescopic handle make it easy to move the generator around.
This model has a maximum power of 7500W, is low-noise and can continue running for 16 hours on a half-load or 11 hours on a full load.
3000W Pure Sine Digital Inverter Generator
This super-silent model is ideal for camping and caravanning as well as for use at home as a backup power supply. Although much lighter than the 9kVA, it can still pack a punch. There’s a 6L capacity fuel tank, and the generator can run for 5 hours at half-load or 3 with a full-load. It has a maximum power of 3000W.
4500W Pure Sine Wave Digital Inverter Generator Electric Start
The smart engine control reduces engine speed depending on the load size for greater fuel efficiency. The generator has a 5V 2,1 Amp USB charging port. The tank can hold 10L of fuel and generate a maximum power of 4500W. It will run for 9 hours on a half-load and 6,5 hours on a full load.
Storm-Proofing Your Home with Power Backup Solutions
Preparing your home for potential damage following a storm is half the battle. That means taking sensible precautions like securing windows and roofs. It’s also important to consider what you would do if there were a power outage.
MaxWatt generators are ideal to use as backup power supply. The beauty of them is that you can also take them on camping trips and use them as a means to work remotely. Check out the full range of power backup solutions on Max Watt’s website.
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