NRMA's Essential Cyclone Alfred Prep Steps

NRMA Insurance is encouraging communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred to follow the advice of the emergency authorities and take steps to prepare their homes to help minimise damage.

NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Claims Luke Gallagher said safety must be the number one priority: "Ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones is first and foremost. Always follow the advice and directions of the emergency authorities and check on your neighbours and vulnerable people in your community to ensure everyone has the support they need to get prepared.

"Preparedness is our best defence. While it is still safe to do so, now is the time to take simple steps around your home that can help minimise damage. It is hard to fathom the power of strong winds and how easily even the heaviest items can become windborne, but it can happen. Pack away or tie down loose outdoor items such as furniture and trampolines.

"Use plastic tarps or waterproof sheets to cover windows and tape up any gaps at the bottom of doors or other openings to reduce rain entering your home."

NRMA Insurance is encouraging residents to have an emergency kit prepared should you need to evacuate your home, including essential items such as mobile phones and chargers, food and water, waterproof torches and spare batteries, important documents, blankets and special supplies such as medicines and pet supplies.

This is an uncertain time for everyone so taking steps to prepare now will make a big difference when it's time to respond.

Luke Gallagher

NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Claims

NRMA Insurance encourages those impacted to lodge a claim as soon as possible, so immediate support can be provided. This includes temporary accommodation and emergency financial assistance, as well as make-safe repairs as soon as it's safe to do so.

Claims can be lodged either online at www.nrma.com.au/claims or over the phone on 13 11 23.

NRMA Insurance has preparedness resources available to help people prepare physically and emotionally for severe weather. Visit www.nrma.com.au/helpnation.

Things to do to prepare your home for cyclone if it is safe to do so:

1. Trim trees and branches around your home to help prevent potential damage caused by high winds.
2. Tie down or pack away any loose items on your property such as trampolines and outdoor furniture.
3. Use plastic tarps or waterproof sheets to cover windows and tape up the bottom of glass doors to reduce wind driven rain entering your home.

What to pack in your emergency kit:

1. Mobile phones, chargers and power banks
2. Waterproof torch and spare batteries
3. Candles and waterproof matches
4. Battery powered radio and spare batteries
5. Copies of important documents
6. Food and drinking water
7. Blankets, clothing and special supplies
8. Pet essentials

What to do if your home has been impacted:

1. Only return to your property when emergency services have given the go ahead.
2. You can start cleaning up but first take pictures or videos of damage to the property and contents to support your insurance claim.
3. Remove water damaged items from your property such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings.
4. Keep a record of model or serial numbers of items you are throwing away to help replace them.