Mitigation strategies for navigating climate change
The Australian climate is prone to drought, flooding rains, and extreme weather events. Queensland has seen more than 40 natural catastrophes in the last five years. In other examples, Western Australia was hit hard by tropical cyclone Seroja, and New South Wales ensured record-breaking floods. Recent years have proven that destructive weather is becoming more frequent, often further south in higher population density areas.
This has sparked debates about building practices. There are currently conversations around what should be built and where to better navigate weather-related disasters in the 50-plus years ahead.
While this is the big picture, as individuals, there's a lot we can do around our homes and businesses to weather-proof assets.
Even smaller efforts such as using metal roller blinds, draught-stoppers, and gutter guards can make a big difference in stopping water, wind, and fire from entering a building.
Another example is choosing tiles over carpet and raising air-conditioning units, hot water systems, and pool pumps.
It can also be worth looking into roof replacements that satisfy stricter standards, cyclone shutters on all windows, permanent flood barriers, and flood-resistant doors and windows. Rooftop bushfire sprinkler systems could be an option as well.
Many people cited cost, time, and other priorities as reasons they haven't taken more action. But after the devastating 2019/20 summer bushfires and two consecutive years of La Nina weather systems, the risk is all too real. In a natural disaster, a few simple measures you've taken ahead of time could make a world of difference.
Prevention measures for floods could be as simple as using barriers or floodgates on doors and raising electrical switchgear off the ground. In addition, temporary flood barriers could be installed for businesses as required around essential equipment.
These simple mitigation strategies could also help you get a better deal with your insurer. One insurer said that when householders invest in resilience measures, they will provide a premium discount of up to 30%. The Build It Back Better initiative by another insurer offers eligible customers up to $10,000 to make their property more resilient to natural hazards, water damage, fire and theft.
By putting money into risk mitigation, insurance customers can benefit from incentives like these and have the opportunity to add significant value to their homes and businesses.
Some of the key mitigation stategies for protecting against natural disasters include:
Bushfires
- Metal gutters and gutter guards
- Roof sprinklers
- Ember protection for roof cavities
- Best-practice materials like metal windows and door frames
Windstorms
- Cyclone washers and shutters
- Cyclone-rates garage roller doors
- Metal window screens and doors screens
Flood
- Flood-resistant construction materials
- Raise external services (hot water systems, air-conditioning units, etc.)
Whether you are a home or business owner, the devastation that follows a natural catastrophe can be incredibly difficult to recover from. However, taking steps beforehand to minimise the impact can make all the difference.
How Coverforce can help
Our experienced team of brokers can help to assess your risks and provide personalised advice on the right insurance program to protect your property.
For more information or to arrange cover, get in touch with your local Coverforce Office today.
The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. If you require advice that is tailored to your specific business or individual circumstances, please contact Coverforce directly
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