Tower is calling on Kiwis to prepare for tropical Cyclone Hale, following New Zealand MetService warnings now in place across the country.
Heavy rain warnings have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, from tonight until Wednesday morning. Heavy rain is also forecast for Eastern areas of the North Island from Wednesday.
“Having to make a claim can be extremely stressful, and our customer response team at Tower is always ready to support our customers – no matter the circumstances,” says Tower CEO Blair Turnbull.
“It’s our job to be there when people need us most and to help alleviate some of the stress involved during weather events so, Kiwis can focus on keeping themselves, their families and homes safe. We’re hoping that by sharing some advice ahead of Cyclone Hale, we can help Kiwis, particularly those in the Hawke’s Bay, Coromandel and Gisborne, to prepare and reduce their risk.”
Here are some practical steps for Kiwis to keep in mind during a natural hazard:
Before an event
- Always have updated photos and/or videos of your property before any damage happens and use these to assist you, should you need to make a claim
- Pack and have a getaway kit on hand, including clothes, medication and copies of important documents you may need in the near future or that may be hard to replace
- As a precaution, store personal valuables (family photos, important documents, jewellery) as high off the floor as possible
- If you’re on holiday, make sure you listen to weather warnings and evacuate safely if required. If you’re travelling, take extra care on the roads, especially with holiday traffic and drive to the conditions.
During an event
- Keep across live updates to ensure you’re aware of the situation at hand. “First and foremost, we recommend listening to your local radio station as the first port of call and acting on the instructions of your local Civil Defence branch to keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” says Mr Turnbull
- Practice caution – the same footing and roads you’re used to may not still be there
- Safely unplug all electrical devices to avoid damage from power surges. Turn power off at the mains if water has entered your house. Don’t turn it back on again until it has been checked by an electrician
- If you have a household emergency plan, put this into action. Be prepared to evacuate quickly if it becomes necessary and consider which is the safest exit route
- If you need to, or choose to evacuate, make sure you do so safely and your property is secure by locking all doors and windows.
Immediately following an event
- If you’ve had to evacuate, only return to your home once it is safe enough to do so – follow instructions from authorities
- Write down a list of everything that was damaged to ensure you don’t miss anything
- If you can access any proof of purchase for items that were damaged, group these together with the above list
- Record the damage using photos and video before you start any clean up. Don’t throw anything you need to claim on away
- Clean up as much as you can. It’s helpful if you have a covered space to start drying out your things – you’d be surprised by how much you can save if they are dried early
- Read your policy wording – you might find out you can make a claim for something you didn’t know. “If you’re unsure, do give your insurance provider a call to discuss what your policy covers, and what the next steps are for claiming,” says Mr Turnbull
- If your home isn’t safe to live in, check with your insurer if you are covered for temporary accommodation.
“We’re aware of the ways climate change is affecting our communities. Our data clearly shows the frequency of large events, and the severity of the damage they cause, increasing over time. Tower now shares flood risk ratings with all New Zealanders and uses this data to align your insurance with the level of risk for your property, to ensure you and your biggest asset are fully protected,” says Mr Turnbull.
“Please remember that your insurer is there to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if and when you need assistance.”
To learn more about how to keep your family and your home safe, Tower’s blog contains useful information on how to prepare for different weather events.
ENDS