Prepping your property in case of a storm

With the sun out in full force on the Gold Coast this summer, it's hard to imagine how things can change, the blue skies replaced by thunder clouds and winds howling at devastating power. However, as glorious as the weather usually is here, we are still prone to the rare storm or cyclone. This means as a Surfers Paradise property owner, you need to be prepared for the worst.

Are storms are likely to target the Gold Coast? 

Queensland is thought to be prone to tropical cyclones due to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) – a phenomenon involving temperature fluctuations in the eastern Pacific Ocean. ENSO involves the surface of the sea warming and sloshing back and forth across the Pacific, as explained by NC State University.

When our atmosphere re-distributes the heat from tropical regions in the world towards the poles, it can result in tropical cyclones. This is according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), which describes these natural weather events as being made up of a non-frontal low pressure system with a maximum mean wind speed of almost 63 kilometres per hour.

Lasting for at least six hours, these cyclones can vary widely in intensity, size, movement and the impact they can have on our cities and towns. The vast majority of the storms that make shore don't have the sort of devastating effects you'd expect to see in the news, but it never hurts to be proactive in protecting your Surfers Paradise investment – as well as your loved ones.

Being ready for a tropical cyclone

While destructive tropical cyclones may be a rare occurrence, the Queensland government advises that local residents don't leave preparations too late and put extra stress on the State Emergency Service. 

This involves preparing an evacuation plan, as well as knowing where you can check for warnings. In addition, you need to know where to turn off your water, power and gas in the event of a storm. Keeping your home and contents insurance is up to date is also a good idea. 

We've already discussed having an emergency kit ready in the unlikely event of a severe storm, but how else can you be storm-ready? 

How can I storm proof my home?

A little general maintenance at your Main Beach real estate can go a long way. Address loose tiles on your roof, and clear out gutters and pipes so that water can drain as effectively as possible. In addition, it's a good idea to secure garden furniture that could be blown around in high winds. 

Get Ready Queensland also advises getting a builder to come and inspect your home to see where it's possible to fortify your property further. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider swapping out any carpets, and relocating mains electrical outlets to well above floor level. 

The Queensland Arboricultural Association recommends having your trees inspected on a regular basis, to ensure they are structurally sound. Some trees are more vulnerable to storm damage than others, so it's worthwhile getting a professional to take a closer look. 

While you are unlikely to experience a serious tropical cyclone on the Gold Coast, it never hurts to be prepared. You can visit Get Ready Queensland's website for more storm prep information, but to find out more about choosing the right Surfers Paradise property for you, get in touch with the Ray White team.