Queensland storm season can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. While severe weather can’t be prevented, preparation can help reduce damage, improve safety and support a faster recovery.
Whether your scheme has a caretaker, onsite manager or relies on external contractors, taking a proactive approach before storm season arrives can make a significant difference.
To help committees prepare, we’ve also developed a practical Storm Season Checklist covering key actions before, during and after severe weather.
Why Storm Preparation Matters
Storms often expose existing maintenance issues rather than create entirely new ones.
Common storm-related issues include:
- Water ingress through roofs, balconies and windows
- Blocked gutters and stormwater systems
- Failed waterproofing
- Damaged trees and vegetation
- Flooding of common areas and basements
- Damage to fences, signage and shared facilities
- Property damage and insurance claims
Routine maintenance and preparation remain the most effective ways to reduce these risks.
Storm Season Checklist
The checklist accompanying this article can be used as a practical reference for body corporates, committees, caretakers and onsite managers when preparing for storm season. It follows the same before, during and after approach outlined below.
Before the Storm
Around Your Home
Residents can help prepare by:
- Securing loose items on balconies, patios and courtyards
- Preparing an emergency kit
- Charging devices and backup batteries
- Keeping essential medication and supplies accessible
- Monitoring official weather warnings
Around the Property
Body corporates should consider:
- Clearing gutters, drains and stormwater systems
- Inspecting roofs and common property
- Addressing known maintenance issues
- Trimming hazardous branches and vegetation
- Securing loose common property items
- Reviewing insurance arrangements
Depending on the scheme, these activities may be coordinated by a caretaker, onsite manager or contractor.
Committees should also ensure contractor details are up to date before storm season arrives. Knowing who can respond to urgent works, roof leaks, tree damage or other storm-related issues can help reduce delays when immediate action is required.
Maintenance records, inspection reports and contractor recommendations should also be retained and easily accessible. If storm damage occurs, these records can assist with insurance notifications, contractor assessments and future maintenance planning.
During the Storm
Safety should always come first.
Around Your Home
Residents should:
- Follow official warnings and directions
- Stay away from floodwater and damaged areas
- Avoid attempting repairs during severe weather
- Contact emergency services if immediate assistance is required
Managing Property Issues
Urgent property concerns should be reported through the building’s usual reporting process.
Depending on the property, caretakers, onsite managers, contractors or body corporate managers may help coordinate emergency responses, arrange contractors or record reported issues.
Emergency Contacts
- Life-threatening emergency: 000
- Flood, storm or bushfire emergency assistance: SES on 132 500
After the Storm
Once conditions are safe, attention can turn to assessment and recovery.
Around Your Home
Residents should:
- Photograph damage where safe
- Record what occurred
- Protect belongings from further damage
- Contact their insurer if required
- Retain receipts and supporting documents
Around the Property
Body corporates should:
- Inspect affected common property
- Photograph damage before repairs begin
- Arrange urgent make-safe works where required
- Obtain contractor assessments
- Retain photographs, reports and invoices
- Notify insurers where appropriate
Detailed documentation can assist with repairs, insurance assessments and future maintenance planning.
Be Prepared Before Storm Season Arrives
Storm preparation is a shared responsibility.
Residents can prepare their homes and belongings, while body corporates can focus on maintaining common property, addressing known risks and ensuring appropriate records are available if damage occurs.
A little preparation before storm season can help protect people, property and the broader community. For a practical summary of the key actions to consider, download or save our Queensland Body Corporate Storm Season Checklist.
Download our free Storm Season Checklist (PDF): Storm Season Checklist
