As summer approaches, it’s essential Australians get ready for extreme weather. This presents a powerful opportunity for you to make a difference. Armed with the right information, you can help customers understand the risks they face and the steps they should take.
We reached out to Scott Cooper, National Manager Disaster and Recovery at Allianz Australia. Scott shared what he sees on the horizon this summer – and what your customers can do now to reduce the damage.
The forecast is in: get ready for a summer of flooding, cyclones and potential fires. Cooper’s team works with data from the Bureau of Meteorology to predict weather trends over the coming months. Forecasting utility, UBIMET, also helps identify warnings for weather events up to 7 days in advance.
“It will depend on the amount of rain we get in the near term, but if we don’t get lots of rain wetting [vegetation and undergrowth] down, then it does look like fires are on the horizon,” says Cooper.
“More likely we’ll see grassfires than bushfires, which is significant because these can burn right through the middle of an expressway for example, cutting off roads and communities.”
In addition, flooding is probable. “I think we’re likely to see more water in some areas later in the season, especially as catchments have already filled around the Northern Rivers of NSW. And then there’s reasonable prospects for January or February cyclones around the eastern and northeastern seaboard.”
And what about hail? As Cooper points out, hail is a tricky phenomenon to predict. “When it happens, it can happen rapidly and suddenly.”
The bottom line? It’s essential to be prepared for all eventualities.
Allianz’s Disaster and Recovery Team (DaRT) exists exactly for this reason. The approximately 40-strong team of experts operates 24/7, year-round. This ensures DaRT is ready to deploy to anywhere in Australia, whenever a natural disaster occurs.
“They’re on standby constantly, ready to head to communities where disaster has occurred – sometimes even before it hits,” explains Cooper. “It means they’re on the ground and able to help customers face-to-face, and because we get early warnings, the team is prepared. We know the nature of the threat, who the Allianz customers in the area are, and instead of running into the disaster after it occurs, we’re walking in with full knowledge of what we’re dealing with.”
This preparation means that when customers face a natural disaster, the claims process is as seamless as possible. This is vitally important during a time that is likely traumatic. “Our goal with DaRT is to deliver a great, first-class experience to customers,” explains Cooper.
So, within Allianz, preparation is everything. But for partners, brokers and dealers, what’s your role as summer draws closer?
Now’s a key time to touch base with your customers. “Ensure they’ve got adequate cover – sums insured, levels of cover and types of cover – in advance,” says Cooper.
“With flood season approaching if they ask you about insurance, ask questions like: have they got the right kind of cover? Have they made an informed decision, taking into account the cost of re-building right now, and any new government regulations around building standards?”
While you’re having that conversation, it’s also worth chatting through basic safety precautions. “Ask your clients if they have an emergency go-bag ready in their home – something that includes essential medications, copies of key documents, even a pacifier or toy for their kids – in case you need to evacuate fast,” suggests Cooper. “Because often we see people in difficulty, who’ve literally left their home with only what they’re wearing.”
Then, of course, there’s the steps customers can take to prepare their property or business for the season. “Cleaning gutters, removing overhanging tree branches, securing loose items including trampolines and outdoor furniture – these are all essential to-dos.”
It’s a good time to remind your customers about the importance of protecting a vehicle from hail. “Hail damage is such a threat because it affects your mobility, as well as your residence and business. There can be a knock on effect – it might limit your ability to get to your job, or get your kids to school,” Cooper points out.
And finally, reiterate the importance of safety. “Tell your customers to please, heed the messages of emergency services personnel if there’s a disaster. If they say evacuate early, then evacuate early.”
“In the case of fire, your customers do need to think carefully about whether they’re prepared – properly prepared – to stay and defend their property. Because history sadly tells us that those individuals are usually not prepared,” says Cooper.
Now’s the time to be having discussions about the reality of extreme weather, suggests Cooper.
“Living in Australia, we are exposed to a range of perils, that’s a fact. We need to have a healthy respect for the damage that can occur, and the danger that’s involved. A little preparation and awareness this season goes a long way.”
For more information to help your customers get ready for extreme summer weather, download our weather preparedness guides:
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