If a storm’s a-brewin’, will you be ready?
Storms are a necessary part of living in Australia. How you prepare for and react to a storm can determine its impact, and in some cases, can be vital for your survival. Here’s how to be storm ready.
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The storm season in Australia begins in September and lasts until the end of March and has been increasing in frequency and severity over recent years. According to the CSIRO 2022 State of the Climate report, daily rainfalls associated with storms have increased in the past 45 years.
Storms can be unpredictable and can cause fallen trees and powerlines, flooding, damage to structures, and in worse cases, can cause injury and loss of life. So, what can you do to minimise the impacts of storm damage?
In the lead-up to storm season, and any time throughout the year in general, it’s important to check window and door joints, locks, and fastenings on homes, sheds, verandahs, and carports. Anything loose, including security screens and glass panes, should be fixed and fastened.
Up top, roofing should be checked and any loose tiles and sheeting secured. Check overhead for any hanging tree branches and trim these back. Gutters should be kept clean and litter-free. If possible, invest in gutter guarding, which will keep your downpipes and drains free of debris.
Learn how to access your mains electricity, water, and gas supplies so you can quickly shut them off if required.
Create an action plan for your property. Have a look around your yard and take note of which loose outdoor items will need to be secured or put away in the event of a storm.
General yard maintenance can not only make your property look neater, it can be a lifesaver. Be sure to regularly check property borders for loose fencing or gates and keep trees and hedges healthy and trimmed.
Take measures to find out where you can get sandbags, tape for windows and tie-down materials. Most local councils will be able to assist with this and have provisions in place for storm protection.
Make sure personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, legal documents, and passports are safeguarded. Invest in a small safe that is waterproof and fireproof and fix it by bolting it to your floor. You can also use this safe to store your valued and sentimental items like jewellery, family keepsakes, and photographs.
Prepare an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, a first aid kit, blankets, matches, a battery-powered radio and spare batteries, and a waterproof torch. It might also be wise to include a mobile phone charger, bank cards and cash, spare keys, water, medicines, and pet food. Keep these items together, safe, and accessible.
Create an evacuation plan for you and your household members. Consider where you will go and how you will get there. Have backup plans for those who are not home at the time, such as a meeting point, and be sure to include your pets or other animals in your planning.
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There are plenty of ways to make sure you’re aware when a severe storm is predicted. There are weather apps and websites that provide real-time updates such as Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), WillyWeather, and Weatherzone. Tune into TV or radio updates and announcements, and be mindful of how quickly a storm can intensify. Some councils offer an early warning or emergency alert callout via SMS or recorded messages. Don’t ignore this. It’s better to be extra cautious than underprepared.
If you happen to get caught up in a storm, stay inside and bring your pets in. Ensure all windows and doors are shut and close all curtains. Unplug appliances and devices and consider switching off power and gas. If there is a threat of flooding, use sandbags to cover any gaps where water could get through. Pick a safe place away from windows and glass, and look out for updates via radio or your mobile phone.
If you’re outside when a storm hits, seek shelter in a solid building or vehicle preferably away from trees, metal objects, powerlines, drains, dams, or creeks. Take care if you are driving and slow down. Turn on the lights and keep a safe distance from other drivers. If you need to pull over, do so, and never drive through floodwaters.
You may want to consider taking out home and contents insurance to cover your property in the event of a storm. Do your research and find the best home and contents insurance package to suit your needs.
Remember, if you need help in any storm situation, call your local SES or 000 in case of an emergency.
Disclaimer:
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003 AR 282736 arranges this insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL No 234708. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement available from www.nationalseniorsinsurance.com.au. The relevant Target Market Determination is available by calling 1300 50 50 99. If you purchase this insurance, we will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with services. 1. Pay by the month: If you choose to pay your premium by instalments you do not pay us any more than if you pay your premium in one lump sum annually. The premiums payable by instalments may be subject to minor adjustments (upwards or downwards) due to rounding. Note: Your financial institution may apply transaction fees to instalment payments. 2. Online discount: [Home] When you both quote and buy a new home insurance policy online a discount of up to 10% is applied to your first year’s premium. This discount is not applied to Domestic workers’ compensation (if available and selected), or upon renewal. Minimum premiums apply. [Landlord] When you both quote and buy a new Landlord insurance policy online a premium discount of up to 10% is applied to your first year’s premium. This discount is not applied to Landlord workers’ compensation (if available and selected), or upon renewal. Minimum premiums may apply. 3. Minimum premiums: Where discounts are applied, your premium is subject to rounding. If more than one discount applies, they’re applied in a predetermined order, so the later discounts apply to the amount already reduced by the earlier discounts instead of the total amount. Discounts do not apply to government taxes and charges. Most discounts won’t apply below the minimum amount payable for the policy.
This article has been prepared by National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003 AR 282736 who arranges insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL No 234708. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither National Seniors Australia, nor Allianz, its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
