Top tips to keep your home summer safe
This article has been prepared by Defence Service Homes (DSH) Insurance.
Ensure your family’s safety
Nobody likes to think about a disaster, but preparation makes all the difference. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes so it’s important to discuss the most likely types of disasters in your area and identify what you and your family will do in each case.
For instance, if you live in an area prone to bushfires or storms, create an emergency action plan for the safety of your family and any pets. This might include identifying a meeting point in case family members are separated.
Also check your emergency kit is fully stocked and stored in a place that is easy to access.
Make sure all family members have emergency phone numbers stored in their mobile phones, are familiar with local Emergency Service websites, and have downloaded ‘Fire or Storm Near me’ apps to monitor situations as they arise.
To assist you, DSH Insurance has developed a Natural Disasters – Homeowners Information Pack, which includes a Household Evacuation kit, information on different types of natural disasters, and useful links for emergencies. It is available on our website.
Protect your home
You can carry out a range of general maintenance tasks to reduce the risk of damage from events like floods, cyclones or fires. These include:
- testing smoke detectors, alarms and fire extinguishers
- cutting back trees and shrubs
- cleaning up leaves and twigs around the property
- removing or storing flammable items (including wood piles) well away from your house
- cleaning gutters and downpipes
- checking you have hoses and that they are long enough to reach around your house
- inspecting your roofs for missing, loose or damaged tiles and leaks
- checking the condition of external walls and cladding and sealing any gaps
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. It’s essential to understand that each claim on a home building insurance policy is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and a claim may be refused if you have failed to take reasonable care to protect and maintain your home and property.
Check your Insurance
Make sure your home building insurance and any other insurances are up to date or whether you need to include any extra cover. It’s also important to read your policy documents and relevant Product Disclosure Statements so you are aware of exactly what you are covered for. By taking time to follow these tips and advice, you'll be ensuring your family, pets and property are protected.
DSH Insurance insures anywhere in Australia and can provide access to a range of other insurance products including contents, landlord and car insurance underwritten by QBE. DSH Insurance is also able to refer policyholders to DVA programs and services if required.
Find out more by visiting dsh.gov.au. You can also contact us directly by emailing us at: dsh [at] dva.gov.au or call us on 1300 552 662.
