OUR LOCATION
The serenity of the Gold Coast and Queensland is truly unmatched. Our little section of the world is a piece of paradise. However, it’s not immune to catastrophic weather events.
From bushfires to storms, cyclones to flash flooding – it’s always a good idea to be prepared, even if it never happens to you.
Are you, your home and business prepared for the many possible weather events that could ensue?
Read more from your Gold Coast Insurance Broker at Crest, to find out the tips you need to know.
Become bushfire ready
The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season burnt an estimated 46 million acres, destroyed 5,900 buildings (including 2,779 homes), devastated native animal populations and killed at least 34 people.
The 2019-20 bushfire season and insurance costs:
The ICA have estimated insurance losses from the bushfire season amounted to $2.32 billion, with 81% of the blow dealt to NSW. The natural disaster saw 38,181 claims lodged.
Being bushfire ready is everybody’s business.
Here’s what you can do before, during and after a fire:
Before:
- Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, roofs and downpipes,
- Equip your home and business (if applicable) with a number of fire extinguishers,
- Keep everybody informed and aware of an emergency evacuation plan (where will you go? What will you take?), and
- Speak with your Gold Coast Insurance Broker about reviewing your insurances to make sure you’re adequately covered.
During:
- Go back to basics with a battery-powered radio to stay informed of local news updates and warnings. Contact 000 or local SES in an emergency.
- Close all windows and doors, wear protective clothing, stay hydrated and in close proximity to adequate water sources.
- If possible, safely evacuate. Turn off power and gas, and block gaps with wet towels.
After:
- Steer clear of fallen powerlines and damaged gas lines,
- Be aware of and extinguish small spot fires, and
- Once the danger has passed, document and take photos of damaged or destroyed items to assist in any insurance claims you make.
Severe storm and cyclone safeguarding
Even in this sunburnt country, storms and cyclones damage communities every year.
The recent South-East Queensland hailstorm resulted in 28,642 claims and estimated insurance losses of $451 million.
It’s worth knowing what to do before, during and after these weather events.
Before:
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters, roofs and downpipes at your home or business.
- Check the roof for leaks and seal them to prevent water from flowing in.
- Move vehicles under cover when possible, and secure items outside that could be blown about by the wind or carried away in surging water.
- Keep yourself, your family and/or colleagues safe by ensuring that everyone is familiar with your evacuation plan. Ensure that operational and other data is backed up and ensure stock can be moved if needed.
- Speak to your Gold Coast Insurance Broker to review your insurance and make sure you know what your insurance covers.
During:
- Use a battery-powered radio to monitor your local radio station for updates on the bushfire, weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts. Contact 000 or your local SES in any emergency.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Unplug electrical items, especially computers.
After:
- Avoid damaged electrical outlets. Stay away from fallen power lines and anything that they may be touching.
- Don’t walk or drive through flowing water or enter water of an unknown depth.
- Once the danger has passed, take photos of damaged or destroyed items before disposing of them to assist in any insurance claims. Speak to your broker to lodge your claim.
Crest Insurance Brokers are with you all the way
In good times and in bad, in rain, hail or shine, the team at Crest Insurance are here for you.
We have the personal and business insurance package options you need for extra peace of mind when it comes to these extreme weather events.
Need an insurance broker on the Gold Coast? Contact Crest today for professional services and advice to prepare you for whatever life throws at you.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this news post is general in nature and is intended to provide a general summary only and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice.
