Strategies for fortifying and shielding your dwelling against wind-induced harm
Preparing Homes for Strong Winds in Victoria: A Comprehensive Guide
As Victoria braces for strong winds, it's crucial for homeowners to take necessary precautions to protect their properties. Here's a guide on physical protective measures and adequate home insurance.
Physical Protective Measures
Securing Outdoor Items
- Remove or Secure Loose Objects: Outdoor furniture, garden tools, and other items should be moved or securely tied down to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Regularly pruning trees and shrubs can help reduce loose branches that could cause damage or block paths for emergency services.
Enhancing Structural Integrity
- Use Steel Frame Homes: Consider building with steel frames, which are termite-resistant and offer structural strength, like those made from Australian BlueScope Steel.
- Inspect and Reinforce Roofs: Regularly inspect roofs for loose tiles or fittings, and consider reinforcing them with additional securing systems.
- Install Wind-Resistant Doors and Windows: Use reinforced doors and windows designed to withstand strong winds.
Protecting Air Conditioning Units
- Secure AC Units: Use hurricane straps or chains attached to a sturdy base to hold the condenser in place.
- Cover Units: Use breathable covers to protect against debris.
Fencing
- Use Wind-Permeable Fencing: Install fencing that allows wind to pass through, reducing pressure on the structure.
- Avoid Slopes and Soft Soil: Place temporary fencing on stable ground.
- Stabilize Fences: Use weighted fence feet and stabilizers, especially on corners and exposed sections.
Adequate Home Insurance
Review and Update Policies
- Check for Wind-Related Coverage: Ensure that your policy covers damages from strong winds.
- Understand Policy Limits: Review the policy limits and deductibles to ensure they are adequate for your property's value.
Document Your Property
- Take Photos and Videos: Document your home and property before any potential damage to assist with insurance claims.
- Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of purchases, renovations, and maintenance to support your insurance claims.
Consider Additional Coverage
- Flood Insurance: If your area is prone to flooding during storms, consider adding flood insurance.
- Coverage for Temporary Accommodations: Ensure that your policy covers temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.
By following these steps, homeowners in Victoria can better protect their properties from strong winds and ensure they have adequate financial protection in place. Stay informed about wind conditions via the VicEmergency website or app and check VicTraffic for road closures and hazards during strong winds. Remember, strong winds, floods, storms, and fires have the potential to cause massive damage to homes and businesses.
[1] BlueScope Steel: https://www.bluescope.com/australia/ [2] Energy Safe Victoria: https://www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/ [3] Wind-permeable fencing: https://www.windengineering.co.uk/wind-permeable-fencing/
When reinforcing homes against strong winds, it's beneficial to consider implementing wind-resistant home improvement solutions, such as steel frame homes and wind-permeable fencing. To ensure adequate insurance coverage, homeowners should review and update their policies, understand the policy limits, document their property, and consider additional coverage, like flood insurance and coverage for temporary accommodations.
