Getting storm ready

Storms can strike at any time, and often without warning, so the best way to protect your family, home, business and assets from damage and loss is to be prepared. Ensuring you have the right insurance in place is part of being prepared and your local state emergency services group can also provide advice on how to prepare for storms in your area.

Know you're covered ahead of time

There are practical actions that all householders can take to prepare for and reduce the risk of storms and extreme weather:

• Inspect your property and take practical steps to reduce risk such as cleaning gutters, keeping lawns and gardens maintained and cleaning up green waste items around the property. Take the advice of relevant agencies in your area when preparing your home for summer weather conditions.  
• Prepare a room-by-room inventoryof the contents of your home. This list helps determine if your assets are adequately protected and can save time when making a claim.  
• Use an online building and contents calculatorto ensure your insurance cover adequately covers estimated costs to repair, rebuild or replace home and contents, vehicles and any outbuildings on your property in event of a disaster.  
• Review all building, contents, and landlord insurance policies. Make sure you understand what cover you have, as well as any exclusions or limits that may be part of your insurance policy. It is important to be aware of these exclusions and to query your insurer about any part of a policy you do not understand.  
• Ensure you are covered now before extreme weather threats are heightened, as some insurers may place a temporary embargo on the purchase of new policies if extreme weather is imminent. 

Reduce the risk of damage if a storm is headed your way

If a storm is approaching, there are practical steps you can take to minimise damage to your property from storm, where it is safe to do so, including:

• Move your car under cover or away from trees.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and trim branches that overhang property (do it safely and remember that you may require a council permit).
• Secure all loose items outside your property, such as garden furniture, umbrellas, sheds, trampolines and cubby houses.
• Close shutters on doors and windows. If there are no shutters close window blinds, drapes and curtains.
• Unplug non-essential electrical equipment, install surge protectors and be prepared to turn off mains power, water, gas and solar power well before the storm arrives.

Keeping safe during a storm

• Your safety should always be your priority.
• Keep up to date on conditions by listening to ABC local radio or checking the Bureau of Meteorology.
• While conditions are severe, stay indoors and keep clear of windows.

What to do in the immediate aftermath

• Safety is the priority - don’t do anything that puts anyone at risk.
• Do not drive your vehicle if it has suffered water damage.
• If you were directed to evacuate your property, only return to your property when emergency services give the go ahead.
• If water has entered the property, don't turn on the electricity until it has been inspected by an electrician.

Contact your insurer

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible to lodge a claim and seek guidance on the claims process.
• Let your insurer know if you've sustained roof damage.
• Speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs, and ask for the insurer’s permission in writing, as unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy.
• Do not be concerned if you can’t find your insurance papers. Insurers have electronic records and need only your name, address and date of birth.
• If you are in urgent financial need you can ask your insurer to fast track your claim and make an advance payment within five business days of you demonstrating your urgent financial need. Any advance payment may be deducted from the total value of your claim.

Yes, you can clean up but check these tips first

• Remain mindful of safety.
• Before you start your clean-up take photos or video of damage to your property and contents / possessions to support your claim. 
• Remove any water damaged items from the property that may pose a health risk. Take photos or keep small samples of water damaged items to support your insurance claim.
• Don’t throw away items that could be repaired, unless they pose a health risk.
• Make a list of each damaged item and take photos. If possible, include a detailed description, such as brand, model, and serial number.