Reducing Water-Damage Risk with a Strata Risk-Management Program

Many people assume insurance is the only safeguard against water damage, yet a proactive risk-management program can prevent losses before they occur. By educating owners and implementing preventative measures, a strata community can dramatically reduce its exposure.

What Is a Risk-Management Program?

A comprehensive program involves four pillars:

• Education — teach members how to protect their homes.
• Preventative maintenance — routine inspections & fixes.
• Emergency planning — clear procedures & contacts.
• Insurance review — confirm adequate, up-to-date cover.

Preventable vs. unpreventable risks: weather events (windstorm, hail, lightning) are unpreventable, but interior leaks, failed plumbing and poor maintenance are within the strata’s control.

Education & Community Awareness

Members should know how to spot and stop leaks quickly, test shut-off valves, and prepare for floods (sandbags, safe evacuation routes). Early action is the simplest route to loss prevention.

Preventative-Maintenance Routines

Regular common-area inspections catch hazards before they escalate — for example, verifying plumbing connections, clearing gutters, and repairing cracked membranes. Seasonal tasks such as snow/ice removal or hand-rail checks further reduce incident likelihood.

Emergency Planning

An effective plan lists key contacts, document locations, shut-off points and evacuation procedures (especially for amenities like pools or gyms). Clear protocols ensure fast, coordinated responses.

Insurance Review

Many homeowners’ policies exclude flood coverage; strata councils should confirm building and individual policies address water-damage deductibles. Periodic reviews guarantee coverage keeps pace with evolving risks.

Conclusion

Strata councils shoulder significant responsibility, but they needn’t do it alone. Implementing a structured risk-management program—from member education to insurance audits—helps safeguard property and peace of mind for the entire community. Learn more about paying for repairs and maintenance.

Not Legal Advice – The material provided on the StrataPress website is for general information only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon without obtaining professional guidance. Your use of these materials is at your own risk.