Storms and severe weather including earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis
Destructive storms in Tasmania can cause significant damage to lives and property.
Storms and severe weather can occur anywhere, at any time of the year, and can be extremely dangerous.
There is potential for damaging winds, heavy rain, landslides, flash-flooding, hail, damaging surf, and high tides.
Know your risk
Understanding the risks to your business will enable you to prepare appropriately.
Some questions to ask yourself:
Is there a flash flooding risk that would impact your business?
Is there a risk of landslides in your area?
What is the likelihood of a tsunami or an earthquake where your business premises are?
What you should do:
Check your roof and gutters and repair any damage. Remove any loose material, including broken or missing tiles.
Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves and blockages.
Trim or remove tree branches that are overhanging the roof.
Clear or store loose items that could become flying debris and cause damage.
Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides sufficient coverage for your business needs, and make sure you understand any policy requirements. Be aware that landslide insurance may not be available anywhere in Australia – check with your policy insurer.
Backup data and secure documents and store off-site or use cloud storage.
Store all hazardous materials in waterproof containers within a secure, designated cupboard to prevent spillage.
Have emergency plans and procedures at hand including ensuring you have vehicle emergency procedures for staff who travel during work hours.
Make sure your business meets all first aid requirements including access to a first aid kit and that there is an adequate number of staff trained to provide first aid.
If your business is located in a landslide prone area, consider having a suitability qualified professional undertake a landslide risk assessment for your property. Landslides can happen anywhere, but they have been especially noticeable in parts of the northwest, the Tamar Valley and certain areas around Hobart, Launceston and St Helens.
Follow planning controls related to slope stability if relevant to your business’s location.
Before starting any construction work check the site carefully by doing a risk assessment to make sure the work won’t increase the risk of landslides.
Understand your obligations during a heatwave or extreme temperatures event to your staff, animals in the care of your business or business visitors. This may include communicating how to stay hydrated during these periods.
Provide staff with suitable uniforms or personal protective clothing. For example, light weight and light-coloured fabrics.
Understand your duty of care obligations to ensure the health and safety of your staff and others at your workplace. Section 40(f) of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022 states that “…workers carrying out work in extremes of heat or cold must be able to carry out work without risks to their health and safety…”.
Make sure your first aid responders know how to recognise and treat heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Regularly check and restock your first aid kit.
Be aware of people most at risk of heat-related problems. These include babies and young people, older people, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions or those taking certain medications, and people working outdoors.
Review and consider how you cool your work environment. Do your buildings have air-conditioning or alternative cooling options such as fans, windows that provide cross-breeze ventilation, and blinds.
Regularly service air-conditioners to keep them working at their best.
Extreme heat can damage IT and communications equipment. To prevent this server rooms may need a mix of cooling strategies such as using fans for circulation and air conditioning to regulate the temperature.
If your business involves animals, ensure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water throughout the day.
Know how to manually override electronic access to your business or garage.
If appropriate, consider an alternate power supply for your business in the event of a power outage. Use extreme caution when using a portable generator and avoid connecting backup generators directly to your switchboard.
to report a power outage, visit TasNetworks report a power outage webpage. If you need to report shocks or low/fallen powerlines, call TasNetworks immediately on 132 004
for emergency help in a storm or flood call SES on 132 500.
