Here are some simple steps recommended by the NSW State Emergency Service to get your home ready for the storm season.
The north shore suburb of St Ives is Sydney’s most storm-affected suburb.
The NRMA Insurance ranking of Sydney’s 10 most storm-affected suburbs was revealed on Monday, as Premier Mike Baird and representatives from the State Emergency Services and the NRMA came together to urge NSW to prepare for another busy storm season.
“Across a range of fronts, whether it be bushfires or storms, the expectation is that we’re in for a pretty difficult season, so we’re very clearly trying to advise the community to do all they can to be prepared for all types of events,” Mr Baird said.
Under looming grey clouds, the warning was well-timed, coming hours after two thunderstorm warnings had been issued for Monday afternoon.
While St Ives topped the list of most storm-affected suburbs, it was followed by Rooty Hill, Castle Hill, Maroubra, Baulkham Hills, Wahroonga, Blacktown, Greystanes, Kellyville and Frenchs Forest.
Sydney Northern Region Controller for the NSW SES Allison Flaxman said that, despite statistics, it was important to remember major storm events could hit “any time, anywhere”.
“Obviously April was one of the biggest [storm] events NSW SES has seen. What we learnt is we really need to get the message out there to the community to help them be prepared.”
Cleaning out gutters, trimming trees and branches and tying down outdoor furniture or trampolines are some of the ways she said homeowners can be prepared for a storm.
NRMA Insurance data shows more than 75 per cent of all home claims in NSW in the last financial year were a result of storm damage, an increase of 30 per cent on the previous year.
Following Sydney’s severe April storms in which four people died, the NRMA processed more than 50,000 insurance claims in two weeks, equivalent to 10 months of claims.
“Storms create more claims in Australia than bushfires, floods, earthquakes. They are a huge problem and we have over 100 thunderstorms a year which create a massive amount of damage, so being ready and prepared are really important messages,” said Anthony Justice, chief customer officer for NRMA Insurance.
“A lot of claims can be avoided if people are prepared…so make sure you’re property is prepared before the storm and make sure your insurance is up to date.”
As in bushfire situations, Mr Justice said under-insurance for homes affected by storms can be an issue.
The Hunter was revealed as NSW’s most storm affected region, accounting for 34 per cent of all storm claims, followed by Gosford-Wyong (18 per cent), central northern Sydney (7 per cent), north western Sydney (7 per cent), St George-Sutherland (5 per cent), Northern Beaches (4 per cent), Illawarra (3 per cent), inner Sydney (3 per cent), eastern suburbs (3 per cent) and lower northern Sydney (2 per cent).
Even the Premier will have no excuse for being unprepared for the storm season, after being presented with his own SES cap and a pair of orange SES gloves on Monday.
“[April] was quite an unprecedented event, one that was unexpected in terms of ferocity,” he said. “Clearly the message is today, if you are prepared yourself that gives us the best chance to protect property and protect people.”
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