Natural disaster preparation
With Australia’s weather becoming more extreme and unpredictable, it’s more important than ever to be ready for anything.
Natural disasters in Australia
As our planet heats up, Australia’s weather is becoming more extreme. Over the next decade, we’re expecting less rain overall, but more intense heavy downpours. Tropical cyclones are set to get more intense, and we’re looking at more risky fire weather days and longer fire seasons.1
We can’t stop natural disasters from happening, but being ready for them can help keep you, your loved ones and your possessions safe, and reduce the risk of financial impact.
How best to be prepared
Understand your risks
Check out different kinds of natural disasters in Australia and how you can get ready for them.
Make a plan
Discover checklists to help keep you, your loved ones and your property safe during an emergency.
Check your cover
Figure out if you’ve got enough cover for your home and belongings, just in case disaster strikes.
1. Understand your risks
Stay informed and stay safe. 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, while a tough reality in Australia and beyond our control, they don’t have to catch us off guard. By having a plan and being prepared, we can ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. The below guide walks you through some key steps to craft a fire safety plan, so you’ll know exactly what could be done if a bushfire occurs.
Preparation guide
Severe weather preparation
Every year, Australian communities feel the brunt of severe weather. Violent winds, cyclones, heavy rain, hail, and flying debris can cause trees and power lines to fall onto cars, homes and other buildings. Explore how you can shield yourself from both the financial and emotional impact of these events.
Flood preparation
Even though Australia is known as a dry continent and often faces serious droughts, we do experience our share of floods. These floods can be quite devastating, causing extensive damage.
Unpack the steps you can take before, during and after a flood to reduce its impact on your home and loved ones.
2. Make a plan
Awareness about natural disasters is growing among Australians. However, probably only 10% of us are actively preparing or have a readiness plan in place.2
Below you’ll discover handy tips and checklists to help you prepare for various situations, be it a bushfire, flood, cyclone or storm.
Home safety checklist
Is your home safety up to scratch? There are basic 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 some 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
Ensure you’re informed with emergency response and evacuation procedures. It may help reduce the risks for you and your family.
3. Check your cover
Did you know that research indicates that 4 out of 5 Aussies might be underinsured3? This could potentially leave them with insufficient coverage for their homes and possessions should disaster strike.
How much cover do I need?
Use these handy calculators to help ensure you’re adequately covered for those unexpected moments such as a burglary or natural disaster like a floods, fire or storm.
Calculators are intended as a guide only.^
Home Building calculator
Estimate the cost to rebuild your house with the Home Building Insurance calculator.
Home Contents calculator
Estimate the replacement value of your home contents with the Contents Insurance calculator.
What are you covered for?
Have a chat with your insurer to make sure you’re covered for all the potential risks in your area. Remember, not all risks are automatically covered.
Included with Bank of Melbourne 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
Need to make a claim?
If you’re a Bank of Melbourne Home Insurance customer impacted by severe weather and need help with a claim, please call 1300 020 266 or submit your claim online.
Disaster relief and support
If you've been affected by a disaster, we have a range of support packages to help you in the aftermath.
Financial recovery resources
Explore our financial resources and tools aimed at helping you recover and get back on your feet.
The Detail
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). Bank of Melbourne - a Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233714 (the Bank) arranges the initial issue of the insurance under a distribution agreement with Allianz Insurance, 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 13 22 66.
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