The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is urging community members to prepare as forecasters warn of a high risk of flooding across New South Wales in the coming days.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned a succession of three rainfall systems will bring downpours across the east of the country this week with parts of NSW already being hit with heavy showers and thunderstorms.
A second weather system is expected to bring storms, rain and bursts of heavy falls from Queensland to Southern Victoria from Thursday night and into Friday.
With a high chance that numerous catchments will flood, the Insurance Council is urging people to heed warnings and stay safe.
In the event of flooding, the Insurance Council urges people to:
- Stay safe - don't do anything that puts anyone at risk
- If you have to evacuate, only return when emergency services agree it is safe
- If water has entered your property, don't turn on your electricity until it has been inspected by an electrician
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to lodge a claim and seek guidance on the claims process
- Don't worry if you can't find your insurance papers. Insurers have electronic records and need only your name and address
- Property owners who have sustained roof damage should advise their insurer
- Don't drive your vehicle if it has suffered water damage
- Do not drive in flood water.
The warning comes as Australia enters its third consecutive La Niña season, meaning much of the country can expect a rainy end to 2022.
The 2021 and 2022 combined insurance damage bill for La Niña generated east coast storm and flooding is at $5.92 billion with more than 296,000 claims lodged.
Comment attributable to Kylie Macfarlane, COO Insurance Council of Australia:
The Insurance Council is keeping a close watch on this unfolding weather event and are urging residents to prepare and above all put their safety first.
