Queenslanders urged to prepare for storm season
RACQ is warning Queenslanders against complacency with an increased risk of heavy rain and flooding predicted for spring and summer.
Over the past three years, RACQ Insurance received more than 65,000 home and motor claims for storm, hail and flood damage, with 79% falling in ‘storm season’ between September and March.
While Brisbane and Moreton Bay were two of the hardest hit regions over the past year as a result of the devastating February floods, the data also revealed Central Queensland, Logan/Beaudesert, the Sunshine Coast, and Ipswich also experienced a high volume of storm-related damage to their homes and cars.
General Manager of Advocacy Josh Cooney said with dams already full, grounds sodden and a third consecutive La Nina season just around the corner, it’s time for all Queenslanders, regardless of where they live, to prepare for another wetter than normal few months.
“Now is the time to clear debris from your yard and roof, clean out your gutters so water can flow freely and doesn’t pool and cause damage, trim back overgrown trees and carry out any necessary repairs and maintenance work on your house,” Mr Cooney said.
“Make sure you have an emergency kit and if you live in a flood prone area, talk to your family about how you would evacuate in case you need to leave. It’s also important to check that your home, contents and motor insurance cover is up to date.
“Homeowners can also look at long-term mitigation measures to better protect themselves, particularly in cyclone-prone areas. This includes installing water resistant materials and cabinetry, roller door bracing, glass reinforcement, window shutters and roof strapping.
“As the severity and frequency of these damaging weather events continue to increase, all Queenslanders, including governments, need to do their part to improve resilience.
“The unprecedented February flooding was the second costliest weather event in Australia’s history and has taken an enormous toll on our members, who we continue to support through the recovery and rebuilding phase,” Mr Cooney said.
Check list for Queenslanders ahead of storm season:
- Check home building and contents insurance is up to date
- Clear gutters and downpipes, trim overgrown branches
- Check roof for damaged or loose tiles and sheeting which may need repairing
- Join an early warning alert service and get a copy of your Council’s flood maps
- Remove or secure loose items from the yard that could become projectiles
- Have an emergency kit and emergency plan.
RACQ Insurance data showing regions with greatest frequency of storm, hail and flood home claims over the past three years (Sept 2019-August 2022).
|
Ranking |
Region ranking Sept 21 – Aug 22 |
Region ranking Sept 20 – Aug 21 |
Region ranking Sept 19 – Aug 20 |
|
Brisbane North |
1 |
11 |
11 |
|
Moreton Bay – South |
2 |
14 |
14 |
|
Brisbane – West |
3 |
8 |
6 |
|
Moreton Bay – North |
4 |
5 |
16 |
|
Brisbane Inner City |
5 |
17 |
10 |
|
Logan – Beaudesert |
6 |
3 |
4 |
|
Brisbane – South |
7 |
9 |
8 |
|
Sunshine Coast |
8 |
6 |
2 |
|
Ipswich |
9 |
1 |
12 |
|
Brisbane – East |
10 |
7 |
5 |
|
Gold Coast |
11 |
4 |
3 |
|
Toowoomba |
12 |
15 |
15 |
|
Darling Downs – Maranoa |
13 |
13 |
7 |
|
Central Queensland (Fitzroy) |
14 |
2 |
1 |
|
Wide Bay |
15 |
18 |
13 |
|
Mackay |
16 |
19 |
17 |
|
Queensland – outback |
17 |
10 |
9 |
|
Townsville |
18 |
16 |
18 |
|
Cairns |
19 |
12 |
19 |
Note to editor: Calculations are based on the total number of RACQ storm and flood related home insurance claims divided by the number of RACQ Insurance policies in each region.
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