Protecting your investment - Preparing your home for natural disasters

With natural disasters including floods, tsunamis, and cyclones making the headlines every day, it's no secret that mother nature can have a nasty temper. While Australia has been spared from some of the worst storms recorded over the last 100 years, no one can say when that streak will be broken. As it is, natural disasters account for over a billion dollars in insurance claims and economic losses every year in Australia. While there's nothing you can do to stop an earthquake or bushfire from occurring, you can protect your home and contents from some types of damage. By taking just a little time to prepare your home before a disaster strikes, you can save yourself from potential property loss and lots of heartache.

Disaster preparedness
There are different steps you need to take to prepare your home for potential disasters. A storm is going to affect your property in a much different manner than an earthquake. The guidelines below will help you determine how best to fortify your home should nature take aim at your community.

Earthquake
Various parts of Australia are subjected to earthquakes measuring up to 5.5 on the Richter Scale approximately once every 15 months. The first step to protecting your home from an earthquake is to find out if the terrain around your house is prone to earthquakes. Taking the following steps can strengthen your home's ability to withstand an earthquake and protect its contents:

Routinely repair any cracked mortar or wall supports
Secure or brace heavy furniture that is likely to fall
Keep seating areas and beds away from heavy hanging light fixtures, fans or art
Add security latches to cabinets and cupboards
Keep hazardous cleaning products off of high shelving units

Flood
If your home is located in an area that frequently floods, there are steps you can take to lessen damage caused by flood waters:

Consider laminate and tiled floors with area rugs in place of carpet
Keep all important documents and irreplaceable photos in a waterproof lockbox
Keep valuable electrical devices such as televisions and computers well off the floor
Store cleaning products, chemicals and paints on a shelving unit instead of the floor

Cyclone
Typically hitting the northern coastline of Australia, the high velocity winds can do serious damage to your home and landscaping. If you live in an area where cyclones may occur, you can lessen the potential damage by being prepared:

Make sure large bushes and trees are trimmed well away from your windows and roof
Remove dead branches as soon as possible as they are more likely to break
Affix shutters or metal screens that can be deployed in case of a cyclone
Move outdoor furniture to a shed or inside your house when not in use
Keep your roof and gutters in good repair to handle heavy rains

Bushfire
Many parts of south-eastern Australia are hit with out-of-control bushfires every year, destroying homes and damaging communities. To increase the potential of saving your home from a bushfire:

Keep the perimeter of your home free of flammable debris such as leaves or dry shrubbery
Implement a natural firebreak around your home by maintaining a lawn of short cut grass
Have hoses available that can reach all areas of your exterior
Do not store wood or flammable chemicals in or near your house

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