Tips to help you tidy up for disaster season
Date published: 3 November 2020
Keeping your front and back yard neat and tidy will not only increase the visual appeal of your street, but will also get your home ready for disaster season.
Townsville City Council is urging residents across the city to keep properties maintained to reduce potential fire risks and keep vermin at bay.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group deputy chairperson Kurt Rehbein said it was essential for all residents to do their part.
“Australia experienced a horrific disaster season this year. Many communities across the country are still recovering from the damage of the last season,” Cr Rehbein said.
“It’s important that we remember how quickly natural disasters can arrive, and that we do everything we can to prepare for whatever the disaster season might throw at us, including fires and cyclones.”
Cr Rehbein said one of the easiest ways to get your property ready was to maintain front and back yards.
“It’s important that your yard is maintained with any loose items or materials stored securely to prevent them becoming projectile objects during storms or cyclones,” he said.
“While you’re cleaning your yard, don’t forget to clean any debris out of your gutters so that water can drain away from your home quickly.
“Dead and dry grass should be slashed to reduce potential fire risk and to help deter vermin like rats and mice from making a home in your yard and attracting snakes.”
Cr Rehbein said this type of maintenance also helped neighbourhoods look great across Townsville.
“We all want to enjoy where we live. Keeping your yard maintained year-round will help make your street look great as well as keep you in good stead in the case of natural disasters,” he said.
Tips for preparing your home or business:
- Repair corrosion, particularly inside the roof
- Replace rotten and termite-infested timber
- Secure and tighten fixings and tie-down bolts on your roof
- Clean gutters and downpipes
- Trim trees and overhanging branches
- Remove and store loose furniture or items that could become airborne missiles
- Find out how to turn off mains power for gas, water and electricity.
For more information about getting your home ready for disaster season, head to Council's Disaster Management Dashboard.
