La Nina is Coming!

According to the weather experts we’re in for a strange summer of unpredictable weather and extreme conditions.

Last year was all about the fires, but this year the risk warnings are all about floods. And it’s all due to La Nina.

What is La Nina?

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australia’s weather is influenced by many climate drivers.

El Niño and La Niña have the strongest influence on year-to-year climate variability for most of the country. They are part of a natural cycle known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ENSO cycle loosely operates over timescales from one to eight years.

La Niña typically means:

• Increased rainfall across much of Australia
• Cooler daytime temperatures (south of the tropics)
• Warmer overnight temperatures (in the north)
• Shift in temperature extremes
• Decreased frost risk
• Greater tropical cyclone numbers
• Earlier monsoon onset

Greater risks of floods and cyclones

If you’ve ever lived through a flood or cyclone you know how devasting they can be to your life, property, and ability to keep running your business.

We saw through the Bush Fires, that many people weren’t prepared for what was happening, didn’t have the right insurance in place, or were grossly underinsured. This means, they were short on rebuilding funds

What does flood insurance cover?
Covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any of the following:

§ a lake (whether or not it has been altered); or

§ a river (whether or not it has been altered or modified); or

§ a creek (whether or not it has been altered or modified); or

§ another natural watercourse (whether or not it has been altered or modified); or

§ a reservoir; or

§ a canal; or

§ a dam.

How do I know if my insurance policy covers floods?

It’s time to get out your Product Disclosure Statement

Flood damage may be automatically included in your policy, and others may only offer the cover as an optional extra, which you will have to pay for.

If you’re not sure whether you’re covered for flood damage, check your product disclosure statement (PDS) carefully, or give your Account Executive a call before flood season is upon us as most policies will have a waiting period before cover kicks in.

How to Prepare for a flood

The following tips are from SES New South Wales and is an excerpt from their site.

8 Things you can do before a flood

If you live, work or visit a flood‐prone area there are 8 tips you can do NOW to prepare for floods:

1. Know your risk

Find out about the local flood history
Know the heights at which your home, business and/or property could be affected by floodwater
Contact your local council if you want more information on how flooding could directly affect your property
Talk with people who have been in the area a long time for about their experiences of floods locally
Be aware of the natural signs of flooding
Know how you may be warned of possible flooding

2. Know where to go

Find the safest route to travel in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the height at which your evacuation route may be cut
Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area
Check with friends and relatives outside the flood prone area to organise a place to go

3. Know who to call

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500
Keep local emergency numbers handy (near your phone, in your mobile and on your fridge)
In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)
Your Account Executive to help you manage a claim

4. Know your plan

To help households and businesses plan for flooding, the NSW SES has developed Emergency Plan templates:

NSW SES Emergency Plans

Complete, share and practice your plan with family and neighbours
Review your plan annually and after flood events

5. Get your kit together

Put together an emergency kit for your home or business

Get your kit together

6. Prepare now to act early

Talk with your local NSW SES members about being FloodSafe
Know the triggers, warnings and natural signs of flooding so that you can act quickly
Practice your plan and share it with neighbours

7. Check your insurance

Make sure your insurance is suitable to your situation and risk
Check the coverage is adequate
Make sure your insurance is current

8. Listen to local radio

Listen to local radio for information, updates and advice
Information will also be posted through social media

Could you be affected by Floods this year?

Talk to your Account Executive to check your cover and arrange for protection.

The advice on this website is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You must decide whether or not it is appropriate, in light of your own circumstances, to act on this advice. You should ensure you obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the policy before you make any decision to acquire it.