Hallidays Point has been named the seventh most storm affected town or suburb in NSW by new data released by NRMA Insurance.
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The data also named the Mid North Coast as the second most storm affected region in NSW during the last financial year, with the data showing more than 21 per cent of all storm claims made in the State were reported in the region.
Storm season runs from October to March, and to encourage people to prepare, NRMA Insurance has partnered with the NSW SES to keep the community updated with the latest statistics.
The behavioural research conducted by NRMA Insurance revealed people in NSW are underestimating the damage storms cause every year, with only 37 per cent of people having taken steps to prepare their homes for storms.
Those least likely to prepare their homes for storms are the 30 per cent of people who live in apartments, compared to 54 per cent of people in houses.
“It’s concerning that despite the significant damage severe storms can cause, many Australians are still underestimating the impact of storms,” Safer Communities for NRMA Insurance executive general manager, Ramana James said.
“Together with the NSW SES, we’re urging everyone, whether you live in an apartment in a city, or a house in a regional area, to take the time now to prepare for storm season,” Ramana said.
“While the effects of the drought in NSW have been well documented, it’s important people do not view the looming storm season as drought relief.
“Rain events and storm events are very different.
“Storms feature short, heavy bursts of rain that can cause flash flooding as well as violent winds and lightning strikes that can leave a trail of destruction in their place.
“While severe weather can strike at any time, storm season sees the likelihood of storms increase, so little acts like trimming branches, clearing your gutters and securing loose items in your garden or on your balcony can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.”
NSW SES commissioner, Mark Smethurst said a few simple actions can significantly reduce potential damage and the need to call NSW SES volunteers for help.
“During the last storm season, NSW SES volunteers responded to over 18,000 storm and flood related calls for assistance, and up to a third of these could have been prevented,” he said.
Some more things you can do to prepare for storm season include checking your roof is in good repair and ensuring your home and contents insurance is up to date.
For more tips on storm preparation and flexible ways to volunteer with the NSW SES, visit the SES website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
