Every year natural disasters occur in different parts of New Zealand. The country is at risk for several natural events, including flooding, earthquakes, landslips, fires, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and hydrothermal activity. However, many property owners don’t take these factors into account before making their purchase.
A recent documentary called “A Living Hell: Apartment Disasters” shone a light on the disastrous state of some apartment buildings in New Zealand. Even buildings that look perfectly fine on the outside can turn out to have significant flaws. If your property isn’t designed to withstand disasters specifically, even a minor earthquake can lead to extensive damage. Besides the property’s design, the land it sits on and its construction also play a significant role in withstanding wear.
Avoid Features That Make Your Property Susceptible To Damage
While some features may be aesthetically appealing, they make a property damage from natural disasters more likely. These include irregular design shapes, several split levels, concrete slab foundations, more than one type of foundation, pole houses on slopes, and homes with large open internal spaces. So if your property is located in a natural disaster-prone area, it’s best to steer clear of such features in the design and construction phase.
Here are a few ways to develop Resilient Buildings and protect them from building disasters.
Ensure That Storm Drains Are Kept Clear
Storm drains are meant to drain excess groundwater and are typically located throughout a building. Ensuring these drains are free of dirt and debris at all times is the first step towards protecting the foundation of your structure. This is particularly important if you live in an area that experiences hurricanes or storms. Flood damage can be prevented by making sure that your storm drains are cleaned regularly.
Repair Any Holes Or Cracks In The Foundation Immediately
Over time, your foundation can develop small holes and cracks. These will get larger if ignored, causing floodwater to seep in. This can damage your flooring, wall, and belongings. It is crucial to repair holes and cracks in the foundation as soon as you notice them. Not doing so can lead to water damage, which is difficult to fix.
Cut Down Overhanging Branches
Overhanging tree branches and those that are close to your building may be a fire hazard. If you live in an area that’s prone to fires, it’s best to cut down these branches as they could catch fire and fall on your property. Make sure to clear any leaves since these can also be a hazard.
Make Your Gas And Water Lines Flexible
In a building disaster, ripped-out water and gas lines can cause severe property damage and even injuries. For this reason, opting for flexible gas and water lines is highly recommended. These will significantly reduce the damage caused by an earthquake or building collapse. Flexible connectors bend and shift in place, which keeps them intact rather than breaking apart.
Use Building Materials That Are Fire Resistant
If your building is located in an area that’s fire-prone, it’s a good idea to consider rebuilding certain vulnerable portions with fire-resistant materials. This may seem expensive but will be an investment towards protecting your property in the long run. Some materials that are highly resistant to fire are metal, clay, and stone. Steel frames are a safe replacement for wooden ones.
Have An Emergency Plan
It’s essential to have a plan in place in case there’s an emergency of any kind. Assemble a kit of survival items as well as a portable getaway kit. Ensure everyone in the building is trained and aware of techniques such as the drop, cover, and hold. Identify safe spaces where people can take cover beforehand.
Seek Advice From Qualified Professionals
If you have any doubts about the safety of your building, it’s a good idea to seek qualified advice. Hire experts to check the foundation of your property and ensure that it complies with the New Zealand Building Code. They will be able to identify any faults and suggest renovations. Check your insurance policy for the amount and cover and make changes if necessary.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to property development, prevention is often the best investment. Companies and homeowners end up spending excessive amounts of money on disaster response and recovery. However, you can avoid this by developing resilient buildings, to begin with. This may mean opting for more substantial properties rather than bigger, fancier ones.
Implementing these changes does not automatically imply spending more on your property. Making your building stronger will cost less than cosmetic remodeling. By making the right choices, you can stick to a budget while ensuring that your building is not vulnerable to disasters.
