Bushfires, floods, storms and La Nina - how to prepare for this season’s severe weather

Severe weather events like storms, bushfires, and floods are becoming increasingly common in parts of Australia.

The effect of the La Nina event
The Bureau of Meteorology declared a La Nina event across much of Northern and Eastern Australia this summer. It’s likely to be short-lived but persist until late summer and early Autumn 2022, increasing the chance of above-average rainfall which could result in the likelihood of floods.

There’s also been significant storm activity across South Australia and Victoria heading into summer this year.

Bushfire season
Summer in Australia is synonymous with bushfires, and no one can forget the devastation of 2019-2020 bushfires.

How to prepare for a severe weather event
If you’re unsure if you’re in a flood or bushfire-prone area, contact your local council or state emergency service to see if you are.

In the likelihood of any type of severe weather event, it’s important to be prepared so that you can keep yourself and your family safe. Here are some things you can do.

• Have a battery-powered radio available to monitor your local radio station for updates and emergencies
• Prepare an emergency pack containing tinned food, a tin-opener, water, a first-aid kit, blankets, clothing, spare batteries, matches, and gloves
• Have an evacuation plan that everyone in your family is familiar with, that includes where you will go if you must evacuate and how you will contact each other if separated
• Gather important and valuable items and documents to take with you should you need to evacuate
• If you are in an emergency contact 000 or your local SES

What to do in a flood

• Switch off utilities and disconnect electrical appliances
• Move key household and electrical items to a higher place
• Return to your premises only when authorities indicate that it is safe. Avoid fallen power lines and damaged trees
• Do not drink water straight from a tap until authorities declare it safe. Do not enter floodwaters unless authorities say it is safe

What to do to prepare for a storm

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, roof, and downpipes
• Check the roof for leaks and seal them
• Move vehicles undercover and secure items outside that could be blown away
• Unplug electrical items, especially computers
• Stay indoors and away from windows

What to do after a storm

• Do not use damaged electrical outlets
• Stay away from fallen power lines and anything that they may be touching
• Do not walk through or drive through flowing water or enter still water of unknown depth

How to prepare for a bushfire

• Clear leaves from gutters, roofs, and downpipes; mow your lawn, and trim low-lying branches around your home
• Tidy your back yard and move flammable material such as piles of wood, paper, boxes, crates, and garden furniture away from your home
• Fit quality metal leaf guards on gutters
• Equip your premises with fire extinguishers
• Close all windows, shutters and doors
• Plug any gaps with wet towels. Wear protective clothing
• Before you leave the premises turn off gas and power. If you can, safely evacuate

What to do after a bushfire

• Stay away from fallen power lines and anything that they may be touching. Also avoid damaged gas lines
• Check for small spot fires on your premises and extinguish them if possible

Once the danger from any severe weather event has passed, take photos of damaged or destroyed items before disposing of them to assist in any insurance claims. Contact your insurer to lodge your claim.

It’s always important to make sure you know what your insurance covers. Speak to your insurer to find out if you’re adequately covered.

We’re here to help

Severe weather events can take an emotional toll on us. If you need help, please visit bankvic.com.au/insurance or contact us on 13 63 73 to find the right support measure for you.

Terms and conditions
References: A waiting period may apply to flood, grassfire or bushfire claims. Please refer to your PDS, KFS, policy schedule, and Certificate of Insurance for full details, terms and conditions and to check whether this applies to you. Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article. This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (“Allianz”). Information contained in this article is accurate as at November 2021 and may be subject to change. In some cases information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article. Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 10 Carrington Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Police Financial Services Limited ABN 33 087 651 661 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 240293 trading as BankVic arranges this insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement and key fact sheets available from bankvic.com.au or by calling 13 63 73. The relevant Target Market Determination is available by calling 13 63 73. If you purchase this insurance, we will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with services.