Queensland has some of the most severe weather in Australia, being prone to heavy thunderstorms, flashing flooding, hail and damaging winds.
Storm season can cause significant short- and long-term damage to your business, so it is worth taking the time to think about what steps you should take to minimise risk of damage to your business.
With summer approaching, now is a great time to ensure your business has checked off the following items for storm preparation.
Getting your workplace storm-ready
Check for storm hazards or existing issues that may trigger excess damage.
External Storm Preparation
- Trim trees and branches close to your building, including near windows or the roof
- Clear gutters, downpipes and drains to avoid blockages, overflow and foundation damage
- Make sure any shades, sails and awnings are properly fitted and secured in place
- Secure loose items such as table, chairs or outdoor pull-up banners
- Ensure your roof is professionally checked for damage or corrosion
- Make sure any corrosion, loose fittings and rotting or termite-affected timber is repaired or replaced
Internal Storm Preparation
- Ensure that your inventory, equipment, furniture and fittings can be raised or removed quickly and easily
- Keep your computer equipment and other electronics off the floor
- Know how and where to turn off your office’s power, gas and water supply
- Back up your critical data on a portable storage device and ensure it is kept in a secure location off the premises
Ensure your paperwork is in order
It is essential to make sure your insurances are up to date and that you fully understand what you are and are not covered for. You should also be aware of what you can and cannot do prior to making a claim. For example, most policies specify that you must not attempt to clean-up, remove debris or repair items without the insurer’s permission.
It is a good idea to contact your insurance company to check if there are any specific requirements that need to be met should you need to claim damages. In some cases, you may need to prove the site has been regularly maintained prior to suffering storm damage. This can be done with maintenance records and detailed maintenance plans.
If your business is in a storm or cyclone-prone area, you may want to get a professional builder to assess the structural integrity of the building.
Preparing your staff in the event of a storm
Make sure you have an emergency storm plan in place which your staff are aware of, such as what to do during a severe storm, who the emergency contact is, who to report to, and any specific communication that needs to be sent to clients.
CMBM provides emergency storm damage response and preventative maintenance plans to assist in your storm preparation. Contact us on 1800 26 26 37 or at helpdesk@cmbm.com.au to book a storm assessment or repairs for your business.
