A strategy is a collection of actions that if implemented together, can reduce the risk of damage during a weather event or crisis.
It's important to maintain your garden to ensure that items are securely anchored or stored to avoid the risk of wind-borne debris. This can include:
- lightweight sheds
- boats
- caravans
- trampolines
- and fence
To stay safe you should:
- regularly check the condition of free-standing carports, verandas, patios, fences and sheds
- keep trees trimmed and remove dead branches and remove coconuts from coconut palms
- install and maintain tie-down points or ground anchors for lightweight sheds, caravans, boats
- clear the property of items that could become wind-borne debris
- ensure the posts and anchorage for shade sails are in good condition and the shade sails can be easily removed as part of the preparation for a cyclone.
Resource
Actions
You should secure caravans, boats and other trailers. This will help to prevent them being overturned or shifted by high winds. Moving items could cause damage to the home and other buildings.
Preparation Immediately before and event
Loose items around your property can damage your home in a cyclone. If items become airborne they can damage your house.
You should:
- take down shade sails and umbrellas
- secure outdoor furniture before an event.
Resources
Garden sheds and other lightweight structures can cause damage in a cyclone. If they are not tied down they can be upturned or blown away. This can cause damage to the shed, your property or your neighbours' home.
You should securely anchor them to the ground or a concrete slab to prevent movement.
Trees that are near to the house, or overhang the roof, pose a risk from:
- dropping leaves and other detritis that may block gutters and downpipes allowing rain water to enter the ceilings and eaves
- fallen branches that may block gutters and damage the roof cladding or structure
- damage to the building envelope, windows or doors from fallen trees