Preparing Your Strata Property for Storm Season
Australia typically experiences more storms, floods, bushfires and tropical cyclones between October and April, but severe weather can strike at any time.
Heavy rain, damaging winds, hail and flash flooding can arrive with little warning, leaving strata properties vulnerable to damage.
Regular maintenance, early preparation and understanding your insurance cover can help reduce these risks.
Here are some practical steps to help your strata community prepare for storm season and manage the aftermath.
Get your strata property storm ready
Regular maintenance can help prevent minor building issues from becoming major problems during severe weather. Strata committees should review the property’s condition and address maintenance issues that could increase the risk of storm damage.
Key areas to inspect and maintain include:
Roofs and drainage
- Clear gutters, drains, stormwater grates and soakwells of debris.
- Check roofs for damaged or loose tiles, sheets, flashings and fixings.
- Inspect balcony, terrace, basement and garage drains to ensure they are clear.
- Maintain stormwater pumps and essential building services.
Windows, doors and external fixtures
- Check windows, doors and skylights for leaks or deteriorating seals.
- Ensure external fixtures, including awnings, solar panels and air-conditioning units, are secure and in good condition.
Trees and landscaping
- Trim trees and remove damaged or overhanging branches that could cause damage during strong winds.
Addressing these issues early can help reduce the likelihood of damage to buildings and common property.
Take action when a storm is forecast
When severe weather is approaching, monitor official weather warnings and act early. Strata committees should help coordinate preparations across common areas and encourage residents should check their balconies, terraces and outdoor spaces.
Before the storm arrives, where safe:
- Secure or bring indoors loose outdoor items, including furniture, bins, pot plants and trampolines.
- Check gutters, drains and stormwater grates are clear.
- Close and secure common-area windows and doors.
- Remind residents to secure loose items on balconies and terraces.
- Keep residents informed about weather warnings and any necessary actions.
Have an emergency pack ready with keys, torches, batteries, a first aid kit and water.
Safety always comes first. Stop outdoor preparations when conditions become unsafe and follow official weather warnings and emergency services advice.
Review your strata insurance before storm season
Alongside building maintenance, reviewing your strata insurance is an important part of storm preparation.
Strata committees should regularly review the property’s insurance cover and understand the key terms, conditions and exclusions relating to weather events.
Before storm season, make sure you:
- Review your current strata insurance cover and relevant policy conditions and exclusions.
- Keep your insurance policy schedule and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) easily accessible.
- Have BCB’s claims contact details readily available.
- Maintain current photographs of common property and key building assets.
Having this information organised and accessible can be particularly helpful if your property suffers damage and you need to make an insurance claim.
What to do if your strata property is damaged by a storm
Even with good preparation, severe weather can still cause damage. Knowing what to do afterwards can help your strata community respond safely and manage the insurance claims process.
Prioritise everyone’s safety
Before inspecting the property, make sure it is safe to do so. Stay away from damaged areas, fallen powerlines, floodwater and other hazards. Contact emergency services if safety is at risk.
Document the damage
Once it is safe, take photographs or videos of the damage before starting clean-up or repairs. Record the date, time and nature of the storm and any damage sustained. This information will help support your insurance claim.
Prevent further damage
Arrange reasonable emergency make-safe works where necessary to prevent additional damage. Always use qualified and licensed contractors for inspections and repairs.
Contact BCB as soon as possible
Contact BCB as soon as possible and provide a summary of what occurred. BCB can guide you through the insurance process and support you with your claim.
Keep records of all expenses and repairs
Keep copies of all relevant documents, including quotes, invoices, receipts and correspondence relating to the damage and repairs. These records will assist with your insurance claim.
How BCB can help
BCB can help you understand and review your strata insurance cover, prepare for potential claims and support you through the insurance process if your property is affected by a storm.
For practical tips to help your strata community prepare for severe weather, download BCB’s Be Storm Ready Fact Sheet and Poster.
Download the Be Storm Season Ready Fact Sheet
Download the Be Storm Season Ready Poster
Need assistance after a storm? Contact BCB.
