Picture this: the rainy season in Australia is now at its peak, and you just sit cosy at home, listening to the gentle patter of the rain along your roof. How peaceful! But then your thoughts wander off to various news reports of possible flooding in your area. Floods are one of those Australian natural disasters that can strike with little warning, and they can wreak havoc on your home. But hey, that's not so scary now, with many ways to shield your fortress from the waves. This post will now take you through some easy-to-administer tips for making sure your house remains dry while pouring outside.
So first, let's understand why flooding poses such a huge problem here in Australia. It is a land of extreme weather, and heavy rainfall can cause flash floods, rivers to burst, and storms to surge along coasts. Indeed, they are one of the most common and most expensive natural phenomena we deal with, striking both rural and urban areas. Whether you are residing in the flood-prone lands of Queensland and New South Wales, or you are just somewhere ordinarily dry and suddenly dumbfounded by an intense downpour, it is wise to know that no house in the land can ever be considered impervious.
Floods lay their biggest point of concern in their unpredictability; one morning, while you remember, the very street that runs beside your house was under water. Floodwaters do more than just damage a house; major health hazards include contamination, mold growth, etc. So understanding the risk and being ready is what makes your home safe for your family.
Okay, so now you are aware of the risks—let's discuss how to get down to the actual work. Setting up your house for waterproofing does not have to be a massive one. In fact, a few simple things can make a world of difference.
Start by taking a walk around your property and checking your gutters and drains. If clogged by leaves and debris, you can clean them out. Blocked gutters will cause water to overflow and pool around your foundation, which, in essence, is an invitation to flooding.
Then check your doors and windows. If there are any gaps that water could potentially sneak through, it is worth considering weatherstripping or a sealant to keep water on the outside. Also, move any valuable or sentimental items up to higher ground, just in case. At least your goods will be safe, even if some water manages to get inside.
Also, in the case of electrical systems, if you live in a flood-prone area, it may be well worth having a conversation with an electrician about raising your power points and wiring. It might really help you save heaps of trouble (and money) down the line.
So, lastly, let's talk about insurance. I know it's not the most glamorous topic, but trust me, when disaster strikes, it'll be a lifesaver. Take a good look at your current policy and check if it covers you for flood damage. If not, well, maybe now is the best time to have a yarn with your insurer about getting that sorted. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Now, let's say the rainy season is going full tilt, and the Bureau of Meteorology has gone and issued a flood warning for your area. What then? The first and second things would be to calm yourself down and listen to the advice of the local authorities. If they say it's time to evacuate, don't stand around pondering—grab your emergency kit and get out of there.
Speaking of emergency kits, it pays to have one already made up and stowed away before things get underway. Stock it with essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, torches, and any medicine you might need. A battery-powered radio could also come in handy.
You should also know your evacuation routes. Floodwaters roar up fast, and roads can be blocked off in under a minute. Plan how you shall proceed to higher ground in a smooth and safe manner.
Another biggie—under no circumstances should you ever drive through floodwaters. It looks shallow and could be fairly threatening to your vehicle, no matter the little amount of water. Deadly! Turn around—if you see a road covered in water—and take another way.
The most awful thing about it all is, sometimes, despite the best intentions, when Mother Nature makes plans of her own, your home will be inundated. If the damming happens, remain calm! There are measures you can take to minimise damage and get back to normal.
Safety comes first! You have to make sure when you start cleaning, floodwaters have receded and that it is safe to enter the house; watch out for any hazards like downed power lines or contaminated water.
Once safe, document the damage for your insurance claim. Take photos and make a list of items that were affected, which will come in handy when filing the claim.
Then the counselors come to call. Calling a professional water damage restoration company will be helpful. They know how to dry your house within its walls, preventing the spread of mold, to get you back to normal as soon as they can. They may even be able to liaise directly with your insurance company, which will put your mind at rest.
While waiting for the pros, remove standing water, as far as you are able to, and start air drying. Open windows and doors for fresh air, and use fans to assist drying. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours, so very fast action is necessary.
And that is just it: a friendly way to guide you through protecting your home against flooding during the Australian rainy season. Remember, a little preparation can go miles in reducing stress, and knowing what to do should the worst occur will assure you greater relief. With steps to understanding the risks, preparing the home, staying safe during floods, and coping with damages, you will surely be able to face and forge through the gale.
Got some tried and proven ways of keeping your house dry or a flood story that ends happily? Share them in the comments. We would love to hear from you!
