Electrical safety
- Don’t turn on the power, switch on appliances or go near electrical infrastructure until a licensed electrician or network operator has checked them.
- Don’t do any DIY electrical work – it is dangerous and illegal.
- Be aware that water damage may have occurred.
- When using a generator:
- A changeover switch must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor so the power is not fed back into the electricity grid where it can be hazardous.
- Do not plug a generator into household power points or connect it to wiring or any part of the electricity network.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t overload the generator or power boards.
- Look for an Australian Standard mark showing that the generator complies with AS2970.
- Ensure cords, power boards and equipment are in good condition and in a dry location.
- Petrol or diesel-powered generators must be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from open windows, to avoid carbon monoxide exposure.
Plumbing safety
- Check any potable water tanks for damage or contamination. For more information visit: Rainwater tank contamination
- Flood waters or heavy rains. can damage septic tanks. causing system failures or the overflow of effluent. For more information visit: Flood damaged on site wastewater systems
- Check for physical damage to aboveground pipework or water heaters. If any repairs are needed, always engage a suitably licensed plumbing contractor.
Gas safety
- Don’t turn on the gas supply or activate gas appliances until a licensed gas fitter has checked them.
- Don’t do any DIY work on gas installations – it’s dangerous and illegal.
- When returning to a damaged property, do not use matches, lighters or naked flames as there may be a gas leak.
- When using any gas appliance, read the safety warnings, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and look for an approval badge to certify that it is authorised for sale in Australia.
- Portable gas-fuelled equipment such as barbecues, cookers, heaters and fridges must always be used outdoors in the open air to avoid potentially lethal exposure to carbon monoxide. They should never be used inside tents, caravans, campervans or other enclosed areas, including indoors at home, even if the doors or windows are open.
- Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and confusion. Immediately move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention.
- LP Gas cylinders must always be kept upright. If a cylinder has to be transported, secure it firmly and outside the vehicle’s passenger area and keep the journey as short as possible.
- The test date stamped on the LP Gas cylinder should not have exceeded 10 years.
- Check for a gas leak by applying soapy water to the LP Gas cylinder, hose and appliance connections. Bubbles or a gas smell are signs of a leak.
Building safety
- Look out for any items that have the appearance of asbestos and avoid disturbing the material.
- Beware of water that has been contaminated by debris and also bacteria and mould in your home, as they can pose a health hazard to people and animals.
- For your peace of mind, consider engaging a building professional to inspect the structure of your home.
- The roof of your home is one of the most important things to check, as during a cyclone, it is subject to strong ‘uplift’ force.
- Your roof can also fail after the cyclone has passed and older properties are particularly vulnerable to damage.
- Even if your property is newer, it is still worth checking the roof, particularly if other buildings nearby have been damaged. Roofs can suffer internal damage that may not be obvious from outside.
- Damage to the roof can also occur if the garage doors are pushed in or sucked out by strong winds. This can let wind inside the property and increase the pressure on the underside of the ceiling and roof and lead to damage or loss of parts of the roof.
- Other building concerns to look out for and have fixed:
- Corrosion of steel and concrete reinforcement;
- Rot or termite attack in timber;
- Damage to flashings that can lead to large amounts of water entering your home.
- Rusted or loosened fixings, including roofing screws and bolts.
- Some improvements to your home to think about include:
- Upgrading your property by constructing a ‘strong room’ (such as a strengthened bathroom);
- Fitting glass doors and windows with permanent cyclone screens.
- Talk with a professional about installing tie-down points for vehicles and trailers. Tropical cyclones are strong enough to send these flying into buildings.
- Remember to check with your local government if a building permit will be required for any repairs or upgrades to your home. If the building work is valued at over $20,000, you will need to engage a registered building contractor.
- Finally, trim tree branches that are weak or hanging over buildings.
Links
- Building and Energy
Information and resources on staying safe before, during and after a cyclone - Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Safety tips during cyclone season - WorkSafe
Advice on preparing for a cyclone and cleaning up after a cyclone, flood or storm. - Department of Health
Advice about health hazards to be aware of after a flood. - Consumer Protection
If your rental is uninhabitable, phone for assistance on 1300 304 054.
