Weathering the Storm: How to Protect Your Brisbane Home from Summer Chaos

Summer storms in Brisbane are a force to be reckoned with sudden, powerful, and often destructive. While we can’t control the weather, there’s a lot we can do to safeguard our homes from the chaos that comes with severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and strong winds. Whether it’s securing your backyard, maintaining your trees, or ensuring your drains are clear, being prepared can make all the difference when a storm hits. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most effective ways to "storm-proof" your home, so you can ride out the storm with confidence and peace of mind.

Well-Maintained Trees and Backyard

Trees are a beautiful feature in any backyard, but during summer storms, they can pose a serious hazard if they’re not properly maintained. High winds and heavy rain can cause branches to snap or even uproot entire trees, leading to potential damage to your home, fences, or nearby power lines.

How to maintain your trees and backyard for storm season:

• Trim Overhanging Branches: Branches that hang over your roof or near windows are more likely to break during strong winds. Regularly trim branches that could potentially fall onto your house or vehicle.

• Remove Dead or Weak Trees: If you have dead, rotting, or diseased trees in your yard, consider having them removed by a professional arborist. These trees are far more likely to be uprooted or snap in a storm.

• Check for Stability: Have a professional assess the health of your trees. Some trees may need additional support in the form of braces or cabling to prevent them from toppling in strong winds.

• Clear Away Debris: Keep your yard free of dead branches, leaves, and other debris that could become airborne during high winds. This will help reduce the risk of debris damaging your home or becoming a projectile in the storm.

• Check Fencing: Ensure that fences are sturdy and not at risk of being blown down in strong winds. Reinforce loose panels and check that gates are properly fastened.

  
  

Secure Outdoor Items

In high winds, outdoor furniture, barbecues, children’s toys, and even garden tools can become dangerous projectiles, causing significant damage to your property or your neighbour's. A little preparation before a storm can save you from costly repairs and safety risks.

Tips for securing outdoor items:

• Bring Items Indoors: If you have movable outdoor furniture like chairs, tables, or umbrellas, bring them inside your house, garage, or shed before the storm. This includes any decorative items or garden ornaments that could easily be blown away.

• Secure Large or Heavy Items: For larger outdoor items that can’t be moved indoors (like BBQs, outdoor heaters, or large pots), tie them down with strong ropes or anchors. Use heavy-duty bungee cords, straps, or chains to keep them in place.

• Stow Away Children’s Toys: Small toys, bikes, or sports equipment left outside can be swept away in a storm. Make sure children’s toys are either inside or securely stored in a shed or garage during storm season.

• Check Shade Structures: If you have a pergola, gazebo, or shade cloths in your backyard, ensure they are properly secured. Loose structures can become airborne in strong winds, causing damage to your home or neighbouring properties

  
  

Unblock Drains and Downpipes

One of the major causes of flooding during Brisbane’s summer storms is blocked drains and downpipes. When gutters and drains are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, water can’t flow freely, leading to water build up on your roof and around your property. This can result in leaks, water damage, or even flooding.

How to unblock and maintain your drains and downpipes:

• Clean Your Gutters: Clean your gutters regularly to remove leaves, twigs, and debris that can clog them. This is especially important before storm season. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home or pool around the foundation, causing potential structural damage.

• Check Downpipes: Inspect your downpipes to ensure they are clear and not obstructed. If water can’t flow properly through the downpipes, it may overflow, contributing to water damage to your home’s exterior or causing flooding in your yard.

• Inspect Stormwater Drains: Ensure that stormwater drains around your property are also clear of debris. These drains are crucial for managing excess water during heavy rainfall, and any blockages can quickly result in localized flooding.

• Test Water Flow: After cleaning your gutters and downpipes, run a hose through them to test the flow of water. If you notice any blockages or areas where the water isn’t draining correctly, you may need to call a professional plumber to resolve the issue.

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Flash Flooding: How to Prevent and Manage

Flash flooding can occur quickly and with little warning during intense summer storms, particularly in low-lying areas or regions near rivers and creeks. While you can’t always prevent flash floods, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risks and protect your home.

Preventing and managing flash flooding:

• Elevate Important Items: In flood-prone areas, consider raising valuable items like electrical appliances, electronics, and documents above possible flood levels. This can prevent water damage if flash flooding occurs.

• Install Flood Barriers: If your property is vulnerable to flash floods, consider installing temporary or permanent flood barriers to keep water from entering your home. This could include barriers for doorways, window wells, or other vulnerable spots.

• Maintain Proper Yard Drainage: As mentioned earlier, ensuring your drains and downpipes are clear and functioning properly can help divert water away from your home, reducing the risk of flash flooding. Also, check that the yard is graded properly to allow water to flow away from the foundation.

• Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay informed about storm warnings and flood alerts through weather apps, the Bureau of Meteorology, or local emergency services.

By taking a few proactive steps to maintain your trees and backyard, secure outdoor items, and clear your drains and downpipes, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage from Brisbane’s summer storms. Storm season can be unpredictable, but with these preparations, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever nature throws your way. The key is to act early don’t wait until the storm is on the horizon to start preparing.

Stay safe, and make sure your home is ready for whatever the summer storms bring!

Do you have any storm preparation tips or experiences you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below!