Preparing for a disaster
Prepare
There are things you can do to prepare in case of an emergency.
1. Understanding the Australian Warning System
The Australian Warning System (AWS) has three levels:
To find out more about hazards close by, visit https://hazardsnear.me/ or download the app
2. Check Your Insurance Policy
Before disaster strikes, check your buildings, contents, and car insurance. If you are renting your landlord may have building insurance but content insurance is your responsibility. What you need to do now is:
If you have any doubts or simply not sure call and ask
3. Prepare your property
You can prepare your property in case of an emergency to minimise your risk. Here’s how:
Storms
Visit your local LGA website for Disaster Dashboard and SES NSW website to find out how to minimise your risks when storms hit.
Floods
Prepare your home or business for the threat of floods, more information available on your local LGA website for Disaster Dashboard and SES NSW website.
Bushfires
Plan and prepare your property from the threat of bushfires. Visit your local LGA website for Disaster Dashboard and view this handy guide from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Drought
Plan and act early when preparing for drought via the NSW Droughthub website. Additionally, visit your local LGA website for Disaster Dashboard.
4. Pack your emergency kit
Are you ready in the event of a bushfire, flood or emergency?
Prevention – Preparation – Response – Recovery
- Make a list of what you will need if you must evacuate or stay to defend.
- Pack it up ready in case you need to leave in a hurry.
- Ensure you have any important documents and contacts such as insurance details, utility providers and other important phone numbers.
5. Know where to go for help
Emergency Services*
Whether you are staying at home or planning a holiday away from home, it’s important to know where to get emergency information about fires, floods, and other disasters. Check emergency services sites LGA website for Disaster Dashboard regularly for updated information.
Learn how to store electronic copies of your important legal documents, in case you need them in an emergency. Get ePrepared.
During a Disaster
Here’s what you need to know if disaster strikes.
Making sure you and your loved ones, including pets, are safe is the highest priority.
Where to get help when disaster strikes
- How to survive in a drought
- How to survive in a bushfire
- How to survive in a flood
- Financial hardship – FCAN | Financial Counsellors Association of NSW Temporary accommodation – Owners – your insurance may cover temporary accommodation. Renters; If you are renting a property and it is unsafe to live in, you can give an immediate termination notice to your Landlord and leave the property. If the property has been seriously damaged but still ‘livable’ your landlord is obligated to perform urgent repairs and you may be entitled to a rent reduction. Any agreements with your landlord about a rental reduction or rent abatement should be agreed to in writing. If there is no agreement, you may be able to make an application to the Tribunal. If you are unsure, you should seek legal advice.
- What do I do about work?
Recovery
Here’s what you need to know to assist you with your insurance claim.
1. What you need to know before returning to your property
- Do not return to your home until you have been given clearance by emergency services.
- Gather some essentials such as food, water, fuel, cash, and cleaning products (mop, bucket, first aid kit, mask, and safety goggles).
- Be aware of any hazards because of damage.
- Wear protective clothing such as a hat, gloves, boots.
- Check water, gas, sewage, and power is functioning and call a professional (utility providers, local council) to get an official safety check. Water may be contaminated following a disaster.
2. What you can do about insurance
Collect evidence of damage
- Take photos and videos of damage.
- Make a note of any injuries or medical help you received and if you had to take time off work.
- Note the essential items needing urgent replacement.
- Do not replace or repair anything until you have checked your insurance policy. You may need to get several quotes or use an approved supplier from your insurance company.
How to make an insurance claim
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible to talk through the claims process and lodge a claim.
- If you don’t have specific disaster cover, eg flood cover, you may be eligible for a claim I.e cover for storm water run-off. You should check your policy and if you are unsure, obtain legal advice
What if you disagree with the claim?
- You can first ask for an internal review of the decision of the Insurer.
- If the internal review is unsuccessful, you can apply to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
Where to get help
- Insurance Council of Australia
- Western Sydney Community Legal Centre (WSCLC) for legal advice contact us on (02) 8833 0911 or complete our Online Form
- NSW Government for free legal help with insurance claims and disputes, visit the Disaster Response Legal Service
- Insurance support and resources are also available through the Insurance Law Service
3. Property damage and moving back in
Here is a checklist which can assist you before moving back into your property:
- Find out how to clean up your property after a disaster? Flood or fire, every disaster requires a different process. Your local council can help with this.
- Make a list of the essential items you need to replace.
- Make a list of important documents you need to replace and find out how.
- Know where to go for financial assistance. FCAN | Financial Counsellors Association of NSW may be able to assist
4. Where to go for financial assistance
Keeping on top of your finances
- What if you cannot pay your creditors
- Where to get financial help
5. Look after your’s and your family’s wellbeing
It is not just physical damage to property and experiencing a disaster can be traumatic for you and your family. It is important you get help.
6. Do you need help with insurance documents?
Here are some templates and samples to help you with your insurance claim:
Do you need legal advice?
Do you need some free legal advice about a disaster you have been impacted by?
Call Western Sydney Community Legal Centre on (02) 8833 0911 or
