Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred has left its mark on Southeast Queensland, with strong winds and heavy rainfall causing widespread damage to strata properties. If your building has been affected, knowing the correct steps to take will help ensure a smooth recovery. This guide outlines what to do next, from safety checks to insurance claims, and how Archers the Strata Professionals and MAI Strata can assist you.

Ensuring Your Property Is Safe

Before returning to your property, consider these essential safety checks:

• Inspect for hazards: Look for fallen power lines, structural instability, and debris that could pose a danger.
• Check emergency services updates: Follow local government and emergency response teams for road closures and safety alerts.
• Do not enter severely damaged buildings: If your building has sustained major structural damage, wait for professional assessment before re-entering.
• Ensure adequate ventilation: If water has entered the building, open windows and doors to reduce moisture build-up and aid in drying.

Have You Had Water Ingress or Flooding? Here’s What to Do Next

Water ingress and flooding are common issues after this type of weather event. If your property has been impacted, follow these steps:

• Document the damage: Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas before starting any clean-up.
• Mitigate further damage: If safe to do so, remove standing water and dry out affected areas to prevent mould and structural issues.
• Check electrical safety: Avoid using electrical appliances in wet areas and arrange for an electrician to assess any potential hazards.
• Report to your body corporate: Your committee and strata manager need to be informed as soon as possible to coordinate repairs and insurance claims.

Structural Damage – Who to Contact

If your property has sustained significant structural damage, such as broken windows, compromised balconies, or cracked walls, it is crucial to act quickly:

• Emergency trades: Contact licensed builders, glaziers, or engineers to assess and secure your property.  To find relevant professionals, refer to the Smart Strata Industry Supplier Portal Here.
• Insurance Broker: Your strata insurer will need to inspect the damage before major repairs can commence.
• Archers the Strata Professionals: We can assist in coordinating professional assessments and insurance claims lodgement processes.

Minor Damage – Who to Contact

For minor damages such as water-affected carpets, damaged personal belongings, or small leaks, the following steps will help:

• Personal insurance: Contact your contents insurer for coverage of personal items (including carpets and window furnishings).
• Body corporate insurance: If the damage involves common property or the structure, report it to your strata manager.
• Cleaning services: Engage professional water extraction and mould remediation services to prevent long-term issues.

Co-ordinating Repairs for Multiple Units

If multiple units in your building have been impacted, it is more efficient to collate all damage reports into a single claim. Here’s how:

• Centralised reporting: Your body corporate committee and Archers the Strata Professionals can assist in gathering information from all affected owners.
• One event, one claim: Insurance providers generally treat cyclone related damage as a single event, so submitting one comprehensive claim avoids delays and confusion.
• Streamlining assessments: Co-ordinating inspections ensures faster processing and a unified approach to repairs.

Lodging Insurance Claims – What You Need to Know

Archers the Strata Professionals, in partnership with MAI Strata, will begin lodging claims for affected properties. However, there are important factors to consider:

• Timing of assessments: Insurance assessors and trades will only attend once immediate dangers have passed and it is safe to access properties.
• Supporting documentation: Provide detailed records, including photos, videos, and written descriptions, to expedite your claim.
• Be patient: Due to the widespread impact of Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred, insurers and trades may experience high demand, leading to potential delays.

Archers the Strata Professionals Are Here to Help

Recovering from this type of weather event can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Archers the Strata Professionals are committed to assisting strata communities with:

• Damage assessment coordination
• Insurance claim lodgement
• Liaising with trades and insurers
• Ensuring compliance with body corporate regulations

All of our Southeast Queensland offices are now open, with some of the most affected staff still working remotely to continue supporting our clients.

If your property has been affected, contact Archers the Strata Professionals today for expert guidance and support. Together, we can restore your property and community as quickly as possible.

Article Contributed by Syna Hickmott, Insurance Manager, MAI Strata & Nicky Lonergan, Managing Director, Archers the Strata Professionals

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