Suncorp and SES agencies from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria are urging all Australians to prepare homes for storms before heading off on holidays.
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New research released today by Suncorp shows eight in ten Australians (80%) are failing to plan and properly protect their biggest asset – their home – before heading off on holidays.
When preparing to leave for holidays, the research found more than one third (35%) of Aussies check the weather for the location of where they’re heading – so they know what they need to pack, and what activities they’ll be able to do – but fail to do this for where they live, leaving their home susceptible to damage from severe weather.
A further 30 per cent admit they don't bother checking the weather at all before they leave because it's 'out of their control' and they are in holiday mode.
Suncorp’s Executive General Manager Home Prevention and Protection Anna Cartwright said it’s understandable that Australians are excited about taking a well-earned summer break, but it’s vital that as part of holiday planning they prepare their home for potential summer storms.
“It’s been a big year and we’re all ready for a holiday, but the last thing anyone wants is to come home to a disaster zone thanks to a severe storm,” Ms Cartwright said.
"Failing to properly plan and prepare your home leaves it vulnerable to the elements while you’re away, which is a huge risk, and one that can be reduced if you plan ahead."
"Our research shows Australians are too focused on where they are going and not thinking enough about what they are leaving behind, and what could go wrong when they're not around."
Suncorp Executive General Manager Home Prevention and Protection Anna Cartwright
Before heading off on holidays make sure you trim trees and branches that could potentially fall onto your home or car, clean gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris, and where possible inspect your roof for damaged or loose tiles.
"Most importantly, don't forget to secure and put away loose items around your backyard such as outdoor furniture and trampolines as these can turn into dangerous projectiles."
Wild Weather Hotspots Revealed
To highlight how important it is that homeowners ensure their home is properly prepared, Suncorp has partnered with State Emergency Services across Qld, NSW and Vic to release each state's top hotspots for weather-related callouts in the past financial year.
"It only takes one storm or cyclone to have a massive impact on a region. And while it was the Gold Coast and Cairns last year, it could be your region next,” said Qld SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong.
"It's no secret that summer weather is unpredictable - you never know when a storm will hit and how severe it may be. Planning and protecting your home from potential storms is the best course of action and will give you peace of mind enabling you to enjoy your summer holidays,” said NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Operations Debbie Platz.
VICSES Chief Officer Operations Tim Wiebusch said: "This higher risk season, preparedness is a shared responsibility and it’s important for communities to act and understand their local risks.
"Our VICSES volunteers are highly trained and are at the ready to respond this high-risk season and we ask Victorian communities to prepare now to Be Storm Safe.
"In summer we often continue to see and experience adverse weather conditions and the best defence against these storms and severe weather is early preparation, such as having an emergency plan in place, and knowing where to go for information.”
The research findings were compiled through a national survey with a representative sample of 1,000 Australians aged 18+ and was conducted by Pure Profile in November 2024 on behalf of Suncorp Group. Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria State Emergency Services Severe Weather Hotspots: Total tasks accepted from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. For more information: Angela Wilkinson: E: Angela.wilkinson@suncorp.com.au T: 0477 395 119 or Melissa Cronin: E: melissa.cronin@suncorp.com.au T: 0439 224 438
