12 steps for property owners in cyclone areas: Tips from body corporate
It’s cyclone seasons for some unfortunate residents in Australia; however, the recovery process can be smooth for those who are prepared.
Archers Body Corporate Management North Queensland regional manager, Stephen McCulloch, said that more than 75% of their clients between Townsville and Airlie Beach would be in some way affected.
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The rebuilding and repairing process, as well as navigating insurance, will be the challenge for those ahead, said McCulloch.
“Insurance and the cost of repair has been a big issue for unit owners and bodies corporate in North Queensland since Cyclone Yasi,” he said.
“Depending on the type of body corporate, most policies will cover the structure of the building including internal fixed cupboards and walls but will normally exclude cover for carpets and air conditioners.”
Some policies may exclude flood cover, he noted, unless your body corporate chooses to include it. Ensure you check the policy document of your scheme’s insurance so there aren’t any surprises around what is and isn’t covered.
Tips for unit owners and bodies corporate post-cyclone damage:
1) Act quickly – secure trades people and contractors to repair any damage as soon as possible.
2) If trades people aren’t immediately available, but the damage is urgent, contact the SES or other emergency services.
3) Use emergency provisions within the Body Corporate Act to authorise expenditure where appropriate.
4) Lodge insurance claims quickly to ensure any necessary assessment is carried out as soon as possible and refunds are received expediently.
5) Communicate with owners and occupiers in the complex, clarify the extent of the damage and what actions are underway, provide updates regularly and encourage owners to seek guidance and advice from the body corporate.
6) If the building is evacuated, determine an effective way to remain in contact with owners and occupiers.
7) Mr McCulloch said after the event it was a good idea to integrate these steps into an emergency procedure to mitigate damage if such an event were to occur again.
8) Alert occupants to check and secure any loose items on balconies. Ensure all outdoor furniture is secured.
9) Review past flood levels and consider what may be damaged if such levels are experienced again. Can assets be relocated to a higher floor? Can the lift be reprogrammed so it does not automatically descend into the flood waters upon power loss?
10) Inform residents to prepare an emergency kit with a torch, battery operated radio, spare batteries, emergency contact details and first aid materials.
11) Review existing insurance policies and ensure adequate cover is in place.
12) Formulate a cyclone mitigation plan to be distributed to all owners and occupiers and consider what action will be taken in the event of a future emergency.
Source: Archers Body Corporate