The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) today said insurers are on standby to respond to Tropical Cyclone Alfred as the category two system is expected to turn towards the southeast Queensland coast today with a coastal impact later this week.
While cyclones are inherently unpredictable, TC Alfred is currently predicted to cause strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge between Sandy Cape in Queensland and Grafton in New South Wales.
Ahead of the weather system's anticipated landfall, people in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales are being urged to prepare.
Where possible, residents should:
- Clear their property and gutters from loose material that possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds or heavy rain, including moving outdoor furniture and pool accessories
- Secure boats or vehicles and move their car under cover
- Place important documents and valuables in plastic bags or other waterproof containers and put in a safe place
- Check your emergency kit is ready and nearby
Insurance disaster response specialists are on standby, and the Insurance Council is liaising with the State Government, Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the National Emergency Management Agency in preparation.
In anticipation, insurers have already activated their emergency response procedures and stand ready to support and prioritise customers in communities along the east coast, should they be impacted.
Quote attributable to ICA CEO Andrew Hall:
The safety and wellbeing of the community is of paramount importance and while it is still too soon to determine the true intensity of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, insurers stand ready to support customers and to help alleviate the stress and uncertainty associated with this event.
A cyclone of this scale hasn't made landfall along the east coast for 35 years, and it's important to not be complacent.
Insurers have placed disaster response specialists on standby to move into affected communities and assist customers with claims as needed.
This remains an unfolding and unpredictable weather event and insurers' priority is community safety.
