A recent survey conducted by Budget Direct Home Insurance reveals that wary Australians are prioritising storm prep ahead of another natural disaster season.
The national survey reveals the number of Australians who had never cleaned their gutter had dropped in 2023 (15%) compared to the same survey done in 2021 (21%). Of those who cleaned their gutters at least once a quarter, those aged 18 to 27 were the most diligent. To keep Aussies prepared for natural disaster season, Budget Direct shares their top tips to keep your home secured:
Clean those gutters! Twice a year is recommended. It sounds simple but this is one of the best ways to minimise damage to your home from storms and rainwater. Blocked gutters can send rainwater where it doesn’t belong, seeping into your roof, ceiling and walls.
Check your roof regularly and fix any damage: It’s worth checking the roof is in good condition. You can even start by going through the roof cavity (above the manhole) and checking if you can see any sunlight. If you do spot some damage (whether it’s a gap, rust, or discolouration), make sure you take the right steps to repair it. No matter what kind of damage you’re looking at, the sooner you deal with it, the better.
Keep up to date with the weather warnings: The Bureau of Meteorology issues weather warnings before potentially serious storms strike. If you know what’s coming, you can ensure no loose objects are lying around the yard, your windows are shut and the chances of damage from a storm are minimised.
For the full breakdown visit www.budgetdirect.com.au/home-contents-insurance/research/australian-storm-statistics.html