Disaster season preparation more important than ever

Media Release News Grabs

RACQ spokesperson Kirsty Clinton said during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more important than ever to be prepared.

“Temporary factory shutdowns and border closures are impacting the availability of building materials and car parts. So, if a major weather event hits these shortages may delay the rebuilding of homes and repairs of cars,” Ms Clinton said.

“Border closures may also impact claims being progressed and damage being repaired. We try to use local trades wherever possible but following a major weather event, we often need all hands on deck and have to use labour from other regions and sometimes even other states.

“Current restrictions mean skilled labourers may be unavailable to travel for work or not interested due to uncertainty created by lockdowns. If they do cross the border to assist, we need to take into account the time and cost of quarantine.”

Ms Clinton said supply of building materials was also low and had led to increased costs.

“Between the pandemic and the construction boom, demand is far outweighing supply of some materials including timber and steel. Now’s the time to check your sum insured is adequate to rebuild your home if it was completely destroyed,” she said.

“It’s also the time to make sure your home is properly prepared for bad weather, to reduce your risk of needing to make a claim.”

Ms Clinton said latest research by RACQ showed Queenslanders were not taking simple precautions to protect their properties ahead of storm season, with only 32 percent of those surveyed saying they regularly clean their gutters.

“The Bureau of Meteorology is tipping higher than average rainfall for spring so now’s the time to prepare your home to reduce the risk of damage.”