Storm season serves as a sombre reminder of mother nature’s power.
Though often short, storms pack a mean punch and can be extremely destructive- damaging homes, blocking roads and even taking out power lines. So with storm season well and truly here, we’ve gathered some practical tips to help safeguard your family and home in the event of wild weather.
Organise your emergency and evacuation plan
An emergency and evacuation plan will ensure you and your family knows exactly what to do if the worst happens. Your emergency plan should include details of:
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Every member of your household (pets included), listing any essential medication or special assistance required
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Household safety meeting point and emergency kit location
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Contact numbers for your friends and family, workplace, doctor, vet and suppliers for your electricity, gas, internet, phone etc.
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Vehicle make and registration of any vehicles including cars, boats and caravans
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Insurance policy details for your home and contents, vehicle, boat, caravan and pets
Pack your emergency kit
It’s a good idea to have a fully stocked emergency kit ready and stored safely in preparation for storm season. Your emergency kit should be kept in a waterproof storage container and stored in a safe place in your home. Suggested essential items you could prepare include:
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a portable battery-operated radio and torch with fresh or spare batteries
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candles with waterproof matches or a gas lantern
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reasonable stocks of fresh water and tinned or dried food
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a first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge
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good supplies of essential medication
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strong shoes and rubber gloves
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a waterproof bag for clothing and valuables – put valuables and certificates in the bag and put the bag in a safe place
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a list of your emergency contact numbers
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a car charger for your mobile phone
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toiletries including toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, sunscreen and insect repellent
Prepare and stay safe
Preparing your home is an important step towards ensuring you and your family stay safe this storm season. Simple steps you can take to get your home storm ready include:
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Cleaning gutters, down pipes and drains
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Securing loose items that could cause damage
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Trimming trees and any overhanging branches
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Fixing any damage to your roof, including broken or missing tiles
Unfortunately in severe weather damage can happen to your property no matter how well you’ve prepared. That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure you’re adequately insured, and your policies are up to date.
If it’s been some time since you last reviewed your coverage, our team is available to answer your questions and help you evaluate your protection to ensure life gets back to normal sooner if things go wrong.
Ready for an insurance checkup?
Take time for an insurance review and get a $100 e-gift card when you purchase a new qualifying home insurance policy before 31 December 2020 using the promo code BONUSGIFT!*
Click here to get a quote online.
Home Insurance is issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice is general and does not take into account your personal circumstance. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement, available at movebank.com.au/insurance or by calling 1300 362 216, to see if the product is right for you. *To be eligible for this offer you must be a new or existing MOVE Bank member and take out a new qualifying comprehensive car, home or landlords insurance policy between 05 August and 31 December (Offer Period), online, in-branch or over the phone, and pay upfront or via direct debit (Eligible Customer). A qualifying insurance policy is a new Buildings & Contents Insurance Policy, a Building Only Insurance Policy, a Contents Only Insurance policy, a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy or a Landlords Insurance Policy (Qualifying Insurance Policy). Offer: Eligible Customers will receive a digital $100 Prezzee e-gift card 70 days after taking out their Qualifying Insurance Policy. Eligible Customers must maintain their Qualifying Insurance Policy for a minimum of one month from the day the policy commences to receive the e-gift card. Must use promotional code BONUSGIFT to claim offer online, in-branch or over the phone. Offer excludes renewing policies. MOVE Bank reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Terms and conditions apply, please see full terms and conditions here.
This blog post is for general information purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product or other professional advice. You should seek your own independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making any decision about any action in relation to the material in this article. Railways Credit Union Limited trading as MOVE Bank ABN 91 087 651 090. AFSL/ Australian Credit License number 234 536 | ABN 91 087 651
