Queenslanders are no strangers to wild weather, and with storm season upon us there is no better time to ensure your rental properties are ready.
When faced with the prospect of a natural disaster, it is important that landlords and tenants to keep in contact. Taking the time to communicate and prepare before a major natural disaster can minimise the chance of tenancy disputes later on.
Tenants and landlords are advised to talk to each other about the property and decide what preparations need to be done and who will take care of them.
Madeleine and her dedicated team have put together some handy tips to help you prepare for a storm. These can be done at any time and you should make sure you do them before a storm is forecast, wherever possible.
General Maintenance
- Keep the roof in good condition and maintain it regularly
- Clean gutters and downpipes to ensure that water can drain away quickly
- Trim overhanging trees and branches that are close to the home
General Home Preparation
- Ensure that your home, car and contents insurance is up-to-date and your policy includes debris clean up and removal
- Ensure that you know how and where to turn off the mains supply for water, power and gas
- Have items on hand such as water, fuel and camp stoves
Storm Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit with these suggested items:
- Candles and waterproof matches
- Reasonable supplies of water and non-perishable foods
- A first aid kit
- Strong shoes and rubber gloves
- A list of emergency contacts
- A car charger for your mobile phone
There’s lots of ways you can Get Ready for storm season, but the easiest way is to sign up to One Step at a Time – a weekly personalised online program designed by the SES that gives you a simple tasks to tick off every week.
In 51 weeks, you’ll be ready for anything. You can register at https://getready.qld.gov.au/register.
For further information about preparing your rental property for storm season, give the team at Hicks Real Estate a call today on: 07 3355 6845.
Please note: this is not an exhaustive list of safety precautions you will need to consider, and it is always advisable to consult with the experts.
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