WEATHER OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PREPARE FOR STORMS
HUNDREDS of Gold Coasters lodged insurance claims for hail damage to homes and cars last week — as the region braces for more wild weather this weekend.
The RACQ said it had received 71 claims after the storm last Wednesday.
Storms are predicted to hit the region today, and rain and wind to continue tomorrow and Sunday.
The storm last week had already triggered claims for damage to 26 motor vehicles and 45 homes, a RACQ spokesperson said.
Suncorp said it had received 1416 storm-related insurance claims in the past financial year.
The top five spots in the region for such claims included Jimboomba, Tamborine, Burleigh Waters, Upper Coomera and Helensvale.
Suncorp spokesman Joshua Cooney said the number of claims made in the past year may surprise some residents given the small number of memorable storms last summer.
“There’s no denying summer storms are a part of life for people living in Queensland which means every year we should be prepared,” said Mr Cooney.
“No two seasons are the same and, as our claims data shows, even low-scale weather events can have a big impact.”
With the large portion of 2017-18 storm season claims caused by wind or rain, residents have been encouraged to remove debris from around the yard, clean gutters and trim low-hanging branches.
RACQ data revealed 70 per cent of Queenslanders had not actually considered an emergency plan ahead of the official storm season.
“Last decade has really proven how unpredictable and brutal Queensland weather can be and we’re disappointed so many Queenslanders haven’t taken action,” said RACQ spokeswoman Kirsty Clinton.
“Now’s the time to prepare your emergency kit and plan ahead of summer.
“Once a storm is bearing down, it’s too late.
“Look online to see what should be in your emergency kit or, if you’ve got one, check the contents are still in date and put it somewhere easy to access. Talk to your family to decide where you will go in an emergency, who’ll pick up the kids, pets and emergency kit and make sure everyone is aware of the plan.
“If you’re driving in a storm, make sure you slow down, turn your lights on and leave extra distance between you and the car in front.”