One in three Australians lack knowledge about extreme weather risks in their local area, according to IAG-backed NRMA Insurance's (NRMA) latest research.
The research also found that nearly half (48%) of Australians did not know how to prepare for extreme weather-related emergencies – despite more than a third (35%) admitting that they have taken a hit from extreme weather events, and 17% of those affected saying they were forced to evacuate their home.
NRMA CEO Julie Batch noted that only 26% of Australians have an emergency plan.
“Our research shows only half of Australians have taken steps to prepare for extreme weather over the past year, and most don’t feel prepared to respond to one. Taking steps before an event happens goes a long way in protecting yourself, your loved ones, your community, and the things you care about,” Batch said.
With the latest NRMA claims data revealing that extreme weather accounted for approximately 60% of home claims, the NRMA has teamed up with Australian Red Cross to deliver more than 2,000 free extreme weather resilience workshops over the next three years (see picture below of workshop team at the Willoughby Park Centre in NSW).
The partnership will expand the delivery of Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi workshops, which aim to help Australians prepare for all types of emergencies, including extreme weather events.
“We know the better prepared you are, the better your capacity to respond and recover from any emergency. Having an emergency preparedness plan is one of the best things you can do to assist with both practical and psychological preparations,” said Kate Miranda, Australian Red Cross NSW state director. “With the help of NRMA Insurance, we will significantly expand the number of Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi workshops in communities across New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, delivering thousands of workshops over the next three years.”
The expansion is part of NRMA initiative Help Nation, which aims to unite people, communities, and organisations across Australia by educating them about their local risks.
“Over the past few years, Australians have faced some of the most devastating natural disasters in decades. That's why we've launched Help Nation – to help people understand their local weather risks and what they can do to be better prepared,” Batch said.
In other news, NRMA's parent company, IAG, joined the federal government's cyclone reinsurance pool.
