Insurance Australia : Is home ready to face a storm?

NRMA Insurance and NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) are encouraging residents to make sure their homes are storm ready by doing one simple task this Saturday, 5 June.

The initiative forms part of NRMA's First Saturday campaign, a monthly day for Australians to make their homes more resilient against storms by completing a simple action around the home to prepare for storms and severe weather. This effort can also help prevent first responders from being called to danger.

Storm and strong winds can cause catastrophic damage to your home and others if loose items like outdoor furniture are not secured. So the action for this Saturday is to put away or tie down loose objects.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said storms can happen at any time, which means it is important people do what they can to be ready, especially when it comes to strong winds.

'We often associate storms with heavy rain and potential floods, but storms can also involve strong and powerful winds with the power to blow down trees, powerlines and damage roofs,' Commissioner York said.

'While we always encourage people to move their cars undercover or away from trees and powerlines, there is so much more you can do to stay safe.

'Moving loose objects such as chairs, flowerpots, BBQ gas cylinders, bikes and even children's toys can go a long way to reducing damage to your and even your neighbour's property.'

NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager, Direct Claims, Luke Gallagher said NRMA Insurance is proud to be working with NSW SES to encourage Australian communities to prepare for storm season.

'We've all seen the devastating damage caused by storms and heavy rain,' Mr Gallagher said.

'Preparation can be the key to limiting damage, so please set time aside this weekend to make your property storm ready.'

To find out more, visit nrma.com.au/firstsaturday