Winter Housekeeping Tips

Winter Housekeeping Tips

With winter approaching it is a good idea to check parish property to ensure everything possible is being done to improve property resilience and prevent damage. The threat during winter comes from the potential for hail, wind and water damage.

While most damage is covered by insurance, claims can be denied if the damage is caused by poor maintenance e.g., blocked gutters. Claims may also be denied if they are not reported immediately or not associated with an insurable event e.g., storm.

A quick response to damage can also reduce the costs and time involved in repairs. See Rapid or After-Hours Response to Emergencies.

While self-help maintenance by volunteers is encouraged, due attention must be given to undertaking work within the bounds contained in Policy 2 - Work Health and Safety.

1.	Roofs and Leaks Look for signs of roof damage and leaks. A discoloured ceiling, marks on walls or mould may be an indicator that roof repairs are required. Leaks will get worse over time so it is important to address them early. Leaks can be hard to locate and this is something best left to professionals.
2.	Gutters and Down Pipes It is very important to check and clean gutters before heavy rain is expected. This is particularly the case if there are trees nearby.
3.	Drains It is important to ensure that any runoff from the roof or other hard surfaces can quickly dissipate. Sometime drains can be blocked by debris or tree roots and regular checking is required. It may also be a good idea to request the help of the local council, if drainage on public property is blocked. In some cases, neighbouring properties may present the threat (e.g., a shopping center carpark), in which case their assistance should be requested.
4.	Trees Storms cause considerable damage through falling trees/branches and possible personal injury. Sometimes this damage can be avoided by inspecting trees before and after the storm season and pruning or removing branches as appropriate.
5.	Mould Mould can be a health risk, so checking there is adequate ventilation or heating may be necessary to reduce dampness.
6.	Fencing Remember, that if a fence is damaged, the responsibility for repair needs to be shared 50/50 with your neighbour so early liaison/agreement aids a quick repair. Appropriate precautions need to be taken if the fence is asbestos.
7.	Shade Sails Consideration should be given to removing and storing shade sails during winter. This removes the risk of damage and prolongs the like of the material.

At all times of the year, we need to keep on top of our safety checks, pest control and servicing of appliances.

Preventative works are a benefit to all of us in the long run. In particular they assist in keeping our insurance premiums as low as possible.

Rapid or After Hours Response to Emergencies

A rapid or after hours response is often required in emergencies to make a property safe or prevent further damage. Examples of such incidents include:

• serious roof leak or damage to the roof caused by a storm – SES may be required in some instances;
• flooding or serious flood and fire damage;
• burst water service or gas leak inside the property;
• blocked or broken toilet system;
• dangerous electrical fault;
• failure or breakdown of any essential services or appliances i.e., hot water, water, cooking, heating or laundering;
• compromised security of the building i.e., broken locks, windows, doors, an opening etc; or,
• dangerous property damage considered a public safety risk.

The role of rapid response/after-hours contractor is to make safe (remove or isolate any immediate threats to life and limb) and prevent further damage to property. It is not to affect any long-term repairs. The decision to call the rapid response/after-hours contractor or emergency services is at the discretion of parish representative on site.

Please contact First Priority on 0417 690 336 or firstpriority@projectmg.com.au

For additional resources and helpful information, please check out the Property and WHS pages on the Diocesan website which are regularly updated.

Thank you for your consideration.

The Diocesan Property Team – We are here to help!