Fears for holiday makers ignoring threat of damaging weather

New data has revealed the extent of the pain caused by repeat weather events in the last three months.

Holiday makers are being urged to take extra steps to prepare their homes for wild weather before going away, as concerning new research emerges.

Almost half of all home claims made to the NRMA during spring were related to weather damage, according to data released Wednesday by NRMA Insurance.

More than 40 per cent of Australians will not undertake any preparatory work on their properties before going away this summer, the agency said.

It comes despite more than three quarters of the 3500 people surveyed telling the NRMA they were concerned about the growing frequency and intensity of wild weather.

About 40 per cent were worried about weather events causing damage to their property over summer, while more than one in four people were concerned weather would negatively impact their holiday plans.

Wild storms on Australia’s east coast have frequently caused damage to properties in the last few months. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

People carry sandbags through flood waters in Forbes, Australia in November. Picture: Brendon Thorne / Getty Images / POOL / NCA NewsWire

NRMA executive general manager Luke Gallagher said people could allay some of their own fears of weather damage by taking simple preventive measures.

“Australians are concerned by the frequency and severity of wild weather. Their concern is at the highest level we’ve seen,” Mr Gallagher said.

“There are easy things you can do … tidy up all debris around your home, cut down low-hanging trees, secure loose items that can blow around, and of course get someone to clean your gutters to make sure there is no build up of debris.

A car wash in Shepparton remains partly submerged as flood waters spread across northern Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Streets in Shepparton remain partly submerged as flood waters spread across northern Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“If you have that and then get prolonged rainfall, you are going to have what is called water ingress … we know water is such a powerful force and your home will suffer internal water damage.”

The old-fashioned method of asking a trusted neighbour to check intermittently on your home while away was also an effective way to stay on top of any threats to property, Mr Gallagher said.

He said travellers could pack a simple emergency kit to help protect themselves in the event of any weather-induced holiday disruptions.

“Having a kit on standby or to hand will ensure that you’re ready to respond should the worst happen,” he said.

“Simple stuff like a waterproof torch, a battery operated radio … some cash is always handy when you’re travelling as well, in case systems are down and you need to buy essential items.”

Cars drive through flood waters on November 4 in Forbes, Australia. Picture: Brendon Thorne / Getty Images / POOL / NCA NewsWire

Clean up continues in Maribyrnong after a flood on the 13th of October. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Setting weather alerts and warnings on smart devices for areas you were travelling to and from was also a valuable tool to help shield travellers from weather issues, Mr Gallagher said.

Less than a third of people said they packed travel emergency kits when asked, while only 42 per cent arranged for a neighbour, family member or friend to check on their property while they were away.

Originally published as Fears for holiday makers ignoring threat of damaging weather