A father and son have survived a terrifying ordeal after their home was damaged by a severe storm in Perth, Western Australia.
On Tuesday night, August 2nd 2022, high winds caused the ceiling of their Joondalup home to collapse. It happened while they were watching TV at around 9 PM. Initially, both father and son were trapped beneath the debris. Fortunately, they were quickly rescued and escaped with only minor injuries.
“It was so scary,” said thirteen-year-old Dominic Vaughan. “I thought I was going to die.” The severe storm caused widespread damage throughout Perth, with many homes and businesses sustaining significant damage.
Thankfully, no one was killed or seriously injured as a result of the storm.
This storm is recorded as the most powerful wind in a decade. The strongest wind smashed:
- Ocean Reef at 120km/h
- Rottnest Island at 100km/h
- Swanbourne at 98 km/h
What Can Cause a Sudden Ceiling Collapse?
A ceiling collapse can be a very frightening experience. Fortunately, they are relatively rare, but when they do occur, it is important to understand the various reasons why they might happen.
- Structural failure. One of the most common causes is structural failure. This can occur if the ceiling is not properly supported or if there is water damage that weakens the integrity of the structure.
- Accident. Another possibility is that the collapse is due to an accident, such as a car crashing into the side of the building.
- Fire hazard. In some cases, a ceiling collapse may also be caused by a fire. The intense heat can cause the materials in the ceiling to weaken and eventually give way.
Regardless of the cause, a ceiling falling down can be a dangerous event, so it is always best to be prepared.
What to Do if Your Ceiling Collapses
No one ever expects their ceiling to collapse. However, it is a reality that many homeowners face each year. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you should do immediately.
- First, try to stay calm and assess the situation. If there is debris or water on the floor, be careful not to slip or electrocute yourself.
- Next, call your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine if you need to file a claim.
- Finally, contact a professional contractor to get started on repairs.
Ceiling collapses can be stressful, but by taking these steps you can get your home back to normal quickly.
Call Us For Plaster Ceiling Repair in Perth
Storm season is a dangerous time for ceilings. Strong winds and driving rain can damage plaster ceilings, causing them to collapse. If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, it’s important to have your ceiling checked by a professional before the storm season begins.
Perth Ceiling Repairs are expert in plaster ceiling repair, and we can inspect your ceiling for any potential problems. We can also make any necessary repairs to help strengthen your ceiling and prevent it from collapsing during a storm. Don’t wait until it’s too late – call Perth Ceiling Repairs today.
