Are you prepared for La Niña this summer?

Australians have been advised to brace for a wetter summer this year, as the Bureau of Metrology (BOM) declares a rare third consecutive La Niña weather event. It is important communities make sure they are storm-ready.

You can carry out a range of general maintenance tasks to reduce the risk from extreme weather events. These include:

  • cleaning gutters, downpipes and drains
  • inspecting your roof for missing, loose or damaged tiles and leaks
  • cutting back trees and shrubs
  • checking the condition of external walls and cladding, and sealing any gaps
  • cleaning up leaves and twigs around the property 
  • preparing an emergency kit that includes items such as a torch, batteries, mobile charger and a first-aid kit.

To assist you, DSH Insurance has developed Natural Disasters – Homeowners Information Pack, which includes a Household Evacuation kit (PDF 225 KB) , and useful links (PDF 170 KB) for emergency situations.

Any repairs or renovations done in and around your home should only be performed by qualified tradespeople to ensure work is undertaken properly and, where applicable, to the required standards. Lack of maintenance and work undertaken by non-qualified tradespeople may not only contribute to more damage to your home but can also result in a reduced claim payout or even rejection of your claim.

DSH Insurance home building policy is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring the Defence and veteran community have adequate cover when they need it the most. Your DSH Insurance policy is a legislated product and covers you for loss or damage to your home caused by a flood event.

Remember, no matter how well prepared you are, you can never be fully certain of what nature has in store. If you are affected, claiming with DSH Insurance is simple – you can claim online. You can also call 1300 552 662  or email: dsh [at] dva.gov.au (dsh[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au)

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