1 in 3 South Australians feel unprepared for severe weather
SASES and NRMA Insurance launch campaign to help South Australians prepare for storms this winter
As the winter season gets underway, the South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) has launched a storm preparedness campaign, in partnership with NRMA Insurance, to raise awareness of severe weather risks and help South Australians get prepared.
It comes as new research from the insurer revealed that the majority of South Australians are concerned about the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather, yet more than 1 in 3 (38%) do not feel prepared to respond.
Over the past three years SES volunteers have responded to more than 6,600 Requests for Assistance from the public during the winter months.
According to NRMA Insurance claims data, last winter was the worst for wild weather damage in six years, with 40% of all home claims caused by extreme weather.
Despite the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the organisation's research shows 31% of South Australians do not know what steps to take to prepare.
Chris Beattie, Chief Officer of the SES said the organisation is committed to building resilient communities through ongoing engagement and education.
"This will be the largest, targeted public education campaign we have launched and we're hopeful that, in combination with our well-prepped volunteers, it will help to minimise the impacts of severe weather across our communities as we come into winter,'' he said.
We encourage people to visit the SES website to undertake some simple, proactive steps to help minimise potential damage to their homes and properties.Chris Beattie
Chief Officer of the SES
"We are also very aware of the record-breaking dry spell South Australia and especially Adelaide has experienced over the past three months.
"Prolonged dry spells can add to the stress on trees increasing the likelihood of dropped branches and when followed by a sudden increase in rain, along withstrong winds, will increase the instability of soil, placing further stress on trees.''
Emergency Services Minister Dan Cregan said the new campaign would highlight the need for South Australians to prepare themselves this winter and do their bit for volunteers.
NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Matthew Bennett said awareness of local weather risks and what to do before an event occurs goes a long way in protecting what matters.
"Our research shows the number one barrier to getting prepared is thinking it won't happen to me and the second is not knowing what to do," Mr Bennett said
"It's clear that education is key to helping protect South Australians from the impacts of extreme weather and that's why we're proud to partner with the South Australian SES to raise awareness of risks and provide practical advice.
As an insurer, we see firsthand the impacts of severe weather and we know taking small steps to prepare makes a big difference in protecting yourself, your loved ones and what matters to you.Matthew Bennett
NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager
"We also recognise the tremendous work the SES volunteers do to keep our communities safe. When severe weather strikes, they are often the first to respond, with volunteers putting their lives on the line to help others. They are there to help us, and by getting prepared we can help them too."
By pairing with NRMA Insurance and its Help Nation initiative, the SES has taken another positive step to lessen the impact of increasing severe weather on South Australian communities.
To prepare for severe weather and storms the SES advises:
- Trimming any overhead branches around your property
- Cleaning your gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris
- Checking and clearing drains on your property
- Tying down loose outdoor furniture
- Checking adequacy of insurance coverage
To learn more about how to prepare for storms visit: SASES - Storm
