Are you ready for storm season?

Summertime is historically the peak period for storm season so now is the time to get prepared.  Intense weather events can occur with very little notice (if any at all) and when they hit, it is usually with devastating consequences.

Storm and particularly cyclone damage can leave a long-term impact both financially and emotionally for those affected most.

To help minimise the impacts of severe weather damage, we have put together a list of steps to be prepared well in advance and after the weather event has passed.

Severe Weather Checklist:
• Register for weather warnings and emergency alerts
• If you have large trees get them checked by qualified arborist and trim branches clear of property
• Know which loose items like outdoor furniture will have to be put away or secured if a storm approaches
• Clear your gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains
• Conduct a maintenance check by hiring a qualified tradesperson to evaluate your properties storm risk including roofing security and draining effectiveness
• Understand your property’s risk of flooding
• Check your insurances (building and contents, and vehicles) are current and provide adequate coverage
• Have an emergency contact phone list – include 000 (triple zero) and SES (13 25 00)
• Download the SES app to your phone
• Prepare an emergency kit
• Make sure you think of your pets in preparing for any emergency: include pet food in your emergency kit and make sure your dog is registered and microchipped.
• After the storm stay away from fallen power lines – report them to Energex on 13 19 62 or Ergon on 13 16 70.

Should you end up having to pick up the pieces following a storm, your insurance manager/broker will be your key contact for getting emergency and long-term repairs completed.

Specialist insurance managers are specifically trained and connected to building insurers enabling them to efficiently process your claims. The insurance manager is in place to ensure that all parties involved are kept informed every step of the way helping you to get your property reinstated to its prior condition.

This article was contributed by Syna Hickmott, Insurance Account Executive – Marsh Advantage Insurance.