Life is such a beautiful thing that we hardly have a right to complain when it shows its ugly face. The “ugly face” of life is amplified when nature wreaks havoc on us. There is no dearth of instances when bushfires, hailstorms or powerful winds have sent our whole lives into disarray.
This being said, the damage can be appreciably reduced if we take pre-emptive measures wherever possible and stick to common sense in other cases.
Renovations against Bushfires
New South Wales has woken up prematurely to bushfires this year and the spring threatens to bring along more difficulties. While this is true, also true is the fact that our new homes are structurally strengthened against bushfires and existing homes are also seeking benefits from strategic renovations, a lot more than ever before.
Talking with your bushfire consultant and getting a bushfire-specific building designer to renovate a fire-resistant home for you is like winning half the battle. It is important to analyse how far from the flame zone are you and whether your elevated land is in direct reach of the combustion spread?
Some of us have our homes directly aligned with the weak-limbed trees. These homeowners find debris flying off as missiles and destroying a large part of their homes during bushfire. It then becomes important to use the right raw materials during renovations.
Pre-emptive measures against Bushfires
Let me also talk about a few pre-emptive measures which will hold you in good stead against bushfires this spring.
- Prune any overhanging branch which can help the fire in growing more severe.
- Refrain from storing recycling materials in close proximity of your home.
- If you use wood stock as one of the fuel sources, pile it away from the site of your home.
- Prefigure an evacuation strategy which can be put to use should the need arise
- Invest in a portable pump and at least one garden hose that covers the entire perimeter of your home.
Stocking up against winds
Winds are another big challenge. They have an uncanny ability to make fool of us. What is so imperceptible when in moderation becomes a tyrant when it comes close to its extreme behaviour. We cannot curse wind. It is wise to be amply covered against its excesses.
Remember to park your vehicle in a covered area. Once wind starts to blow with high velocity it becomes mighty difficult to look for cover. Keep your pets well within shelter. To them, high-velocity winds also present a frightening scenario.
With lesser understanding of the cause, they are naturally among the more frightened lot. Moreover, they are more vulnerable to debris attack and flying wind limbs because they are not in a position to expect them.
Hailstorm threat
Hailstorms can be a cause of much ado this spring. Hailstorms are accompanied by severe thunderstorms. The good point is that the “community alert” gives you advance warning about any associated weather excesses. It helps to hear the local weather forecast on your battery-driven radio.
Perhaps even more than wind, hailstorms can damage your vehicle. They can merrily dent your roof and have your own vehicle glass injure you. It is prudent to stay covered by a blanket; with your back towards the vehicle windows.
If you are on road, make sure you stop your vehicle without invoking your daredevil spirit (it might not pay). Moving in gusts, driven by strong winds and gravity, hailstorms can be a mighty adversary to face on road.
If you are at home, rush to your basement for cover and stay there till the thunderstorm passes.
NSW’s State Emergency Service
Thankfully, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is among the more reputed ones and its volunteers are always on their feet to provide timely aid.
The volunteers are more than adequately trained and can come up trumps against weather excesses that include, but are not restricted to, floods, hails, severe rain, wind and bushfires.
Ever-pertinent insurance factor
Before I end, it’s also time to remind you about insurance- a well-meaning one which has the right kind of endorsements. Carefully evaluate the “exclusions” to prevent hitting a blind road during claims.
Are you adequately covered against extreme cases of thunderstorms?
Related Posts
