Natural disaster preparation
Natural disasters in Australia
As the world continues to warm, the weather in Australia is becoming more extreme. Over the next decade, we're expected to have less rainfall overall but experience more short-duration heavy rainfall events, higher intensity tropical cyclones, and a continued increase in the number of dangerous fire weather days, with longer fire seasons.1
While natural disasters can’t be prevented, being prepared can help you keep yourself, your loved ones, your assets, and the wider community safe, whilst reducing the impact to you financially.
Prepare for the unexpected
1. Understand your risks
Our guides help you understand different types of natural disasters and what you need to do to prepare for things like storms, cyclones, bushfires and floods.
Bushfire preparation
Bushfires are an unfortunate reality in Australia. Although they are generally out of our control, one thing you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is have a plan and be prepared. The below bushfire preparation guide contains some important steps to help you develop a fire safety plan detailing what could be done in a bushfire.
Preparation guide
Severe weather preparation
Australian communities suffer significant impact from severe weather every year. Violent winds, cyclones, heavy rain, hail and flying debris can topple trees and power lines onto cars, homes and other buildings. Learn how to protect yourself from the financial and emotional impact of severe weather events.
Preparation guides
Flood preparation
Devastating floods regularly occur in parts of Australia, even though it’s a dry continent and often affected by serious drought. These floods can cause extensive damage and, sadly, fatalities. But you can act before, during and after a flood to lessen the impact on your home and family.
Preparation guides
2. Make a plan
Australians are increasingly concerned about natural disasters, but probably only 10% of Australians actively get ready or have put a preparedness plan in place.2
Below you’ll discover planning tips and checklists to help you prepare, whether it be for a bushfire, flood, cyclone or storm.
Home safety checklist
Is your home safety up to scratch? There are simple ways you could help keep yourself, your family and your home safe.
- Replace your smoke alarm batteries every year and test them every month
- Install safety switches and test them every 3 months
- Create a fire emergency plan and share with your family
- Check for damaged switches, leads, power points and electrical appliances
- Only use a generator for portable appliances such as a bar fridge and never use it inside an enclosed space
- Always use a certified electrician to do any electrical work.
Emergency kit checklist
In a natural disaster, being prepared with these basic items and documents can make all the difference.
- Water, food, medications, cooking equipment, pet/baby supplies, toiletries, warm clothing, blankets
- First aid kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptic, disposable gloves
- Battery operated radio, torch, batteries, pens, paper
- Basic tool kit with utility knife, tape, tarpaulin, whistle, fire extinguisher
- Emergency plan, passport, birth certificates, ID cards, credit/debit cards, wills, insurance documents, personal and claims contact numbers.
Disaster planning guides
Knowing your emergency response and evacuation procedures helps reduce the risks for you and your family.
3. Check your cover
Don’t let the unexpected catch you out. Research has shown that 4 in 5 Aussies could be underinsured, potentially leaving them without enough cover for their home and their belongings.3
Do you have enough cover?
These home insurance calculators can help you understand how much cover your may need to rebuild your home or replace your belongings, in case of a disaster.
Calculators are intended as a guide only.^
If you're a Westpac Home Insurance customer, you can check or change your cover by calling the specialist Westpac Insurance team at Allianz on 1300 650 255.
What are you covered for?
Not all risks are covered automatically in all areas, so it pays to check with your insurer to see exactly what is included with your cover.
Included with Westpac Home Insurance
- Flood
- Fire or smoke, including bushfires
- Lightning
- Storm, cyclone, rainwater or run-off
- Impact damage
- Riot or civil commotion
- Earthquake or Tsunami
- Theft or burglary
- Water or liquid damage
- Explosion
- Vandalism or malicious damage
- Accidental breakage of glass or ceramic items
For a summary of the inclusions, exclusions, conditions and limits that may apply to Home and Contents Insurance visit Understanding my cover.
What to do after a disaster
Things you should know
1The Bureau of Meteorology State of the Climate 2022 Report
*72 hour exclusion period may apply. Allianz doesn’t provide cover for any loss of or damage to your property caused by cyclone, flood, grassfires and bushfires, during the first 72 hours after you first purchase a policy or increase your cover under an existing policy. For full details of conditions and exclusions please refer to the relevant PDS.
^The Building and Contents calculators, provided by Allianz through a third-party provider, are intended as a guide only. For a more accurate rebuilding or replacement cost, consider obtaining a professional valuation from a licensed builder or professional valuer.
Home and Contents and Landlord Insurance are issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233714 arranges the initial issue of the insurance under a distribution arrangement with Allianz, but does not guarantee the insurance. This information does not take into account your personal circumstances. Before making a decision, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. For more information call 1300 650 255.
If you take out Home and Contents or Landlord Insurance with Allianz the Bank will receive a commission of up to 12% of the premium, excluding Government fees and charges, plus GST.
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