There’s nothing like a natural disaster to bring out the best in people and to demonstrate how a community that pulls together in the worst of times can emerge stronger and better equipped to deal with good times and bad.
We saw it when Cyclone Yasi hit in 2011 and we’ve seen it again in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie – incredible displays of selflessness and bravery.
Priority as it should be is upon the preservation of life but when the winds die down and floodwaters recede it is property and possessions that become the consuming concern.
Our Richardson & Wrench offices in Queensland felt less of the brunt of Cyclone Debbie than the havoc wreaked by Yasi. But the 2011 experience came to the fore as residents and businesses battened down the hatches not knowing how Debbie would play out.
The biggest learning from Yasi is the importance of effective communication and preparedness. Each of our Queensland offices has disaster management plans in place and these are communicated to tenants and landlords.
Both R&W Caboolture and R&W Bargara Beach were badly affected by Yasi and their high level of preparedness was heightened by the experience.
That Debbie chose a path that spared these towns the worst of the wind and rain is of no relevance; “if only” offers no compensation when the worst happens.
Part of R&W Caboolture’s disaster plan involves pragmatic priority-setting. Regular maintenance on property managements is rescheduled so that the tradespeople who are vital to recovery efforts can provide their services to the community wherever it is needed most.
In this instance, while Caboolture was largely spared nearby Redcliffe took a battering, so members of the regular maintenance crew headed there for several days to help out.
Normally when a big weather event is forecast the phones are running hot with inquiries from concerned tenants but in the countdown to Debbie’s approach it was landlords from Sydney calling, not to check on their property but the wellbeing of the staff.
That in itself says volumes about the relationship that this family-owned and operated R&W office has with its clients. It’s not just business, it’s personal.
Like R&W Caboolture, our Bargara Beach office took no chances with the approach of Debbie. Staff were sent home early, with some to work remotely and others to make sure their own families and property were safe.
Principal Le--Anne Allen says the devastation of Yasi has made the township stronger and better able to cope when nature plays mean.
“People had stocked up on essentials days before and businesses across town sent staff home early,” says Leanne. “In the end there was very little damage and some said we were too ready. But you can never be too ready.
“We are stronger now, after Yasi, and we know we can deal with it. The biggest lesson of all is communication. We all have the BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) website on our phones and we know what’s happening with the weather before it’s on the TV or radio.”
Disasters such as Debbie and Yasi inevitably also heighten the absolute need for owners and landlords to be properly insured and carry out regular maintenance. It speeds the recovery which in turn allows individuals and communities to become more resilient and more resourceful for the inevitability of next time.