Aussies urged to prepare for wild weather as more than half plan to travel these summer holidays
New research from NRMA Insurance has revealed that Australians' concern about the frequency and severity of wild weather is higher than ever[i] following a year of severe storms and devastating floods across the country.
With more than half of the population planning to travel or be away from their homes this summer (54%), NRMA Insurance is urging Australians to take action to protect their properties and themselves, with more wild weather predicted this season.
Interrupted travel plans and potential damage to their home is a worry for Australians[ii] this summer, yet surprisingly, less than half (47%) of those going away on holiday said they would take steps to prepare their property for wild weather before leaving.
Only 42% will arrange for a neighbour, family member or friend to check on their property.
Despite rising unease across the nation, 41% of Australians said they will not be taking any steps to prepare for wild weather this summer.
This past spring NRMA Insurance received 7,974 claims for weather damage to homes nationally (across NSW, QLD, the ACT, SA and WA), which represents 49% of all home claims.
NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Direct Claims Luke Gallagher said:
"This summer, holidaymakers must take steps to protect their homes while they're away, as well as being prepared for wild weather when travelling. Tidying up and clearing debris from around your home and notifying a neighbour or friend of your plans so they can keep an eye on your property, are two simple things you should do before going away.
"It's also important to understand the severe weather you might run into on your holiday, whether that's on the road or flying to another part of the country."
"Packing an emergency kit will ensure that you are ready to respond should the worst happen, however only 30% of those who plan to travel said they will be taking one."Luke Gallagher
NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Direct Claims
Australian Red Cross National Resilience Adviser John Richardson added:
"Whether you're packing a kit for home or travel, we encourage people to view our emergency checklist developed in partnership with NRMA Insurance to ensure they're well-prepared.
"An emergency kit should include items such as a waterproof torch, battery powered radio, first aid kit, blankets, cash, baby and pet essentials and plenty of water, especially if embarking on long road trips."
Severe weather during spring had a disastrous impact on many communities across the country with intense storms, damaging winds, hail and floods experienced in the one season.
NRMA Insurance and its parent company IAG have long advocated for greater investment in mitigation initiatives such as flood levees and fire breaks, improved land-use planning and enhanced building codes to help protect people and communities from the impacts of severe weather events.
Mr Gallagher said: "The flooding we've seen in Central West New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia is devastating and it's critical we do everything we can to protect people now and into the future.
"We will continue to work with governments at all levels and communities to identify opportunities to reduce severe weather risk which will save lives, protect properties and help reduce the financial and social costs of recovering from these disasters. This will have further benefits such as making insurance more affordable for these communities."
IAG recently welcomed the mitigation funding commitment from the Federal Government of $200m a year, totalling $1 billion over a five-year period. Similarly, the Queensland and New South Wales flood resilience programs of $740m and $800m respectively are crucial to address the immediate impacts of the recent floods.
With more wild weather anticipated across the country this summer, it's important for everyone to take practical steps to prepare.
This summer, NRMA Insurance is encouraging people to do the following to get prepared:
- Pack an emergency kit
- Tidy up and clear debris around your home
- Set weather warnings and alerts for your location
