Darwin Blog

 

Darwin's famous Wet Season is underway, where it can rain for months, and we've had some good rains already. Not only that - the cyclone season has officially started and continues until May. 

Now is a good time to make sure your property is fully prepared for hot, humid weather, storms, strong rain and wind, and of course - cyclones! We know that your property, whether it's your family home or an investment property is one of your biggest assets, so it pays to take some time to get your property ready for the rainy season.

We've prepared some easy tips below to help you keep your property in tip top shape. 

 

1. Gutters

Gutters are essential during rainy days. It is possible that they get filled up with debris such as leaves, sticks and dirt during the year.  Get out your ladder or call a local service and make sure your gutters are clear so that water can flow freely and not run over the sides.

 

2. Roof

Check your roof. Extreme weather can be tough on your roof. You don’t want to discover any leaks during a downpour. Check inside on your ceilings and walls for signs of leaks. Water rings, mold or drip spots may indicate that your roof needs some repair.

 

3. Exterior & Trees

Walk around your property. Look for dead tree limbs or trees that need to be removed. Having your trees trimmed or dead trees removed can eliminate the risk that they could fall and cause damage to your home or your neighbor’s home. Also, check your land for low spots where water may collect inconveniently or cause erosion. Retaining walls in the right place can help prevent soil from washing away and low spots should be filled to prevent unwanted ponds.

 

4. Driveways & Outdoor Areas

Any sidewalks, driveways and outdoor areas should be situated so that water flows off of them and away from the house. If you notice that any cement has settled so that water flows toward the house, have the cement fixed so that it is sloped away.  Water that consistently runs towards the foundations of your home could cause long term problems.

 

5. Cyclone Emergency Kit

No matter where you live in the Territory, an emergency kit is an absolute necessity for every household. The Top End of the Northern Territory is prone to cyclones from November to May.

 

Your emergency kit should include:

• battery-operated radio with spare batteries
• torch with spare batteries, candles and waterproof matches
• first aid kit and manual with any essential medicines that may not be found in a basic kit
• a change of clothes for each member of the household (wind and waterproof, hats, leather gloves, strong protective closed-in shoes)
• blankets or sleeping bags
• toilet paper and essential toiletries, including sunscreen
• special needs for infants (food, formula, nappies, toys), the aged or people with disabilities
• money, including change for phone calls
• important family documents (birth and marriage certificates, driver's licence, passports, insurance policies and photos)
• strong and sealable plastic bags (for clothing, valuables, documents and photographs)
• a mobile phone, spare battery and charger
• extra car and house keys
• a copy of your household plan
• pet supplies
• non-perishable foods (dried and canned - label cans and don't forget the can opener)
• 10 litres of bottled water per person (three days plus)
• portable cooker (if using gas remember to have spare canisters or bottles)
• cooking equipment and eating utensils
• A cloth face mask or multiple disposable masks, hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes

 

 

A little bit of inspection and repair can save you a lot of time and trouble once the rain starts falling. If you pay attention to your house as each season changes, small maintenance repairs will spare your home from major damage in the future.