Material damage due to a storm earlier this week. Those on the East Coast have been told to batten down the hatches if another barrage of thunderstorms arrives. Image: NSW SES.
This week, devastating winds reached up to 120km/h in some parts of NSW as a severe thunderstorm caused more than 2,000 reported SES incidents in the 24 hours to 2pm.
According to NSW SES, the storm caused significant damage, downing trees and power lines and even ripping roofs off houses.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated a weak La Nina pattern for this summer, which, although likely to be short-lived, could bring above-average rainfall.
Storms are always a risk in the summer and can bring hail, high winds and lightning.
With this in mind, Allianz has issued a warning to homeowners in NSW heading into the new season.
Storm damage in Blacktown, Sydney yesterday. Image: NSW SES.
According to data from Allianz, NSW made the most claims last summer for ‘non-CAT’ (weather that is not extreme or catastrophic in nature), costing $14.47 million.
New research from Allianz also shows that 43 per cent of NSW residents have not carried out or completed any maintenance to prepare their homes for seasonal weather hazards this summer.
This is because 38 per cent of NSW residents believe their home is already safe, while a further 12 per cent believe seasonal weather will not affect them.
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Aussies have been warned to complete home maintenance before summer. Image: NSW SES.
Luke Whenman, Chief Claims Officer at Allianz, said summer is often a time for catastrophic weather events and even without these peaks, regular storms can be very damaging to properties.
“Last summer, Allianz home and contents insurance claims for storm-related damage totaled more than $90 million in NSW alone,” he said.
“Our research published today shows that 43 per cent of NSW residents have not carried out or completed any maintenance to prepare their homes for seasonal weather risks this summer.”
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This week’s storm downed trees and power lines. Image: NSW SES.
In addition to dangerous winds and rainfall, Mr Whenman said lightning was a major cause of property damage in NSW.
“The total costs incurred by Allianz as a result of lightning damage during storms in NSW last summer were $2.09 million, making NSW one of the most affected states,” he said.
“Lightning can have a domino effect, causing wiring or motors to burn out in appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, and decorative holiday lights, all of which we use regularly as we head into the busy summer season.
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Lightning-related properties damaged in NSW racked up more than $2 million in claims from Allianz last summer. Photo: Matthew Lynch.
“Homeowners should be vigilant and take simple steps such as maintaining air conditioning systems, checking wiring and investing in surge protectors to reduce the chance of costly incidents.”
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