Queensland storms can include cyclones, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Storms can damage property, interrupt power and create safety risks, so your body corporate should prepare before severe weather arrives.
This checklist covers inspections, communication, insurance, maintenance records, post-storm damage and emergency contacts.
How can a Queensland body corporate prepare for storm season?
Storm season returns each year, so every Queensland body corporate should prepare before it arrives. Do not wait until storms are approaching to check the property, confirm responsibilities and communicate with residents.
Start by identifying the scheme’s likely risks and agreeing on practical actions. Queensland’s Get Ready guidance recommends understanding your risk, preparing an emergency plan and packing an emergency kit.
Use the maintenance schedule, insurance information and previous repair records to identify areas needing attention. Regular maintenance can help find problems before severe weather makes them more serious.
What should a body corporate inspect and secure before a storm?
Inspect common property and confirm who is responsible for each item before arranging work. Responsibility can depend on the scheme’s survey plan and regulation module, which identify the boundaries between lots and common property.
A practical pre-storm checklist may include:
- Inspecting roofs and repairing loose or damaged roofing materials.
- Cleaning gutters and drains to reduce water buildup.
- Trimming overhanging branches and trees near buildings.
- Securing or storing outdoor furniture, signage and other loose items.
- Checking windows and doors, including gaps that could allow water entry.
- Checking that accessways, drainage points and other common property areas are clear.
The body corporate must maintain common property in a good and structurally sound condition, while lot owners must maintain their lots. Check the relevant boundaries before treating a roof, tree, window or door as the body corporate’s responsibility.
If the scheme has prescribed fire safety installations, maintenance, testing and recording requirements may also apply. For multi-unit residential buildings covered by the relevant code, the body corporate should confirm who is authorised to manage the yearly occupier’s statement and keep the required maintenance records.
How should a body corporate communicate its storm emergency plan?
Prepare a simple emergency plan and share it with residents before severe weather. It can include evacuation routes, assembly points, instructions for securing belongings and a clear channel for storm warnings and updates.
Share important contacts through a reliable method, such as email, a resident noticeboard or a community messaging system. Make sure residents know who to contact about common property damage and how urgent issues will be managed.
Residents should also prepare personal emergency kits with water, food, torches and first-aid supplies. Queensland’s emergency guidance recommends that households prepare an emergency plan and pack an emergency kit.
If an evacuation route or fire safety procedure is involved, seek appropriate expert advice for the building. The plan should be practical, easy to find and reviewed when contact details or building arrangements change.
What should body corporate insurance and maintenance records cover?
Review the property’s body corporate insurance before storm season. Do not assume that every policy covers flood or every type of storm damage. Check the policy wording and the scheme’s survey plan carefully.
A body corporate must insure common property, body corporate assets, public risk and, in most cases, every building containing a lot. The required cover depends on whether the scheme is registered under a building format or standard format plan.
Building insurance must cover damage to the building and costs to reinstate or replace insured buildings, including some professional fees and debris removal. Extra building insurance for floods can be taken out, but this requires an ordinary resolution at a general meeting.
A body corporate must insure common property and body corporate assets for their full replacement value. Public risk insurance must cover at least $10 million for a single event and for the period covered by the policy.
Keep an up-to-date inventory of relevant body corporate assets, maintenance work and previous repairs. Records may include inspection dates, photographs, contractor reports, invoices and insurance documents. Our body corporate insurance factsheet provides further information.
The body corporate must obtain an independent full replacement cost valuation at least every 5 years where it has to insure one or more buildings. Owners must also receive information about insurance policies and valuations at the annual general meeting.
What should a body corporate do after storm damage?
Once the immediate danger has passed, inspect common property and document damage before repairs begin, where it is safe to do so. Take photographs and record:
- The date and weather conditions.
- The damage caused.
- The previous condition of the affected area.
- Relevant maintenance history.
- Any urgent rectification completed or still required.
- Expert assessments and recommended repairs.
- Mitigation measures already taken or planned.
Contact the insurer and follow its requirements before arranging non-urgent repairs. Detailed records can help insurers assess the circumstances and potential recovery costs, but they do not guarantee that costs will be recovered.
Deal with urgent safety work promptly. Record planned repairs and expert assessments as they progress. Keep residents informed about access restrictions, temporary measures and expected next steps.
For more ideas about reducing future risk, see our flood mitigation and resilience guide for Queensland strata properties. You can also review the body corporate maintenance factsheet when confirming responsibility for damaged areas.
Who should residents contact during a storm emergency?
Residents should call the State Emergency Service on 132 500 for help with flood or storm damage. Call Triple Zero 000 for police, fire or ambulance services in a serious or life-threatening emergency.
Storm preparation can improve safety and support a more organised recovery. If your committee needs help reviewing body corporate insurance, maintenance responsibilities or storm-readiness records, contact StrataCare at reception@stratacare.com.au.
