Storm safety warning issued for NSW homeowners

Property damage from a storm earlier this week. Those on the east coast have been told to batten down the hatches as another barrage of thunderstorms comes. Picture: NSW SES.

Destructive winds reached as high as 120 km/h in some parts of NSW this week, as a severe thunderstorm caused over 2,000 reported SES incidents in the 24 hours to 2pm.

The storm caused significant damage, bringing down trees, powerlines and even tearing roofs off of homes, according to NSW SES.

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared a weak La Nina pattern for this summer, which although likely to be short lived, can bring above average rainfall.

Storms are always a risk in summer and can bring with them hail, strong winds and lightning.

With this in mind, Allianz has issued a warning for NSW homeowners heading into the new season.

Storm damage in Blacktown, Sydney yesterday. Picture: NSW SES.

According to Allianz claims data, NSW made the most claims for ‘non-CAT’ – weather that is not extreme or catastrophic in nature – hail last summer, costing $14.47m.

New research from Allianz also reveals that 43 per cent of NSW locals have not started or completed any maintenance to prepare their home for seasonal weather risks this summer.

This is because 38 per cent of NSW locals believe their home is already safe, with a further 12 per cent thinking seasonal weather will not affect them.

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Aussies have been warned to complete home maintenance ahead of summer. Picture: NSW SES.

Allianz chief claims officer Luke Whenman said summer was often a time for catastrophic weather events and even without those peaks, regular storms could be very damaging to properties.

“Last summer, Allianz home and contents insurance claims from storm-related damaged totalled over $90m in NSW alone,” he said.

“Our research released today shows that 43 per cent of NSW locals have not started or completed any maintenance to prepare their home for seasonal weather risks this summer.”

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This week’s storm brought down trees and power lines. Picture: NSW SES.

As well as dangerous winds and rainfall, Mr Whenman said lightning was a major cause of property damage in NSW.

“The total costs incurred by Allianz from lightning damage during storms in NSW last summer was $2.09m, making NSW one of the most impacted states,” he said.

“Lightning can have a knock-on effect causing burnouts of wiring or motors in appliances like air conditioners, fridges and freezers, and decorative festive lighting, all appliances we use regularly as we head into the busy summer season.

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Lightning-related property damaged in NSW incurred over $2m in claims from Allianz last summer. Picture: Matthew Lynch.

“Homeowners should be vigilant and take simple steps such as servicing air conditioning systems, checking wiring and investing in surge protectors to help reduce the likelihood of high-cost incidents.”

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