With high claims volumes being processed caused by wild weather during the past two weeks, Tower has issued practical advice for Kiwis on how to prepare your home for Cyclone Gabrielle and help mitigate damage.
“We are currently working through more than4,800 claims from 3,600 of our customers in Auckland, Northland and other parts of the North Island who are still recovering from flooding and landslides caused by recent heavy rain,” says Tower Chief Claims Officer Steve Wilson.
“We know how stressful making a claim can be, that’s why preparing your home for Cyclone Gabrielle will help protect against further damage or risk and hopefully, help you avoid the need to make a claim all together.”
New Zealand MetService heavy rain watches have been issued for Auckland, Northland, Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula from 1am Sunday, for an extended period stretching two and half days. Strong wind watches are also in place for the same locations and time frame, starting Sunday at noon.
“We are urging Kiwis in these areas to spend time now getting their homes ready so that they can keep themselves, their family members and their pets safe,” says Mr Wilson.
Tower’s top four tips to prepare for Cyclone Gabrielle:
- Clear gutters and drains of leaves and muck, remember ladder safety.
- Cut down loose tree branches.
- Secure heavy outdoor items, think outdoor furniture and trampolines.
- Stock up your emergency kit and have an evacuation plan in place.
For a full rundown of how to prepare your home for bad weather click here. For advice on how to manage your insurance before, during and after aweatherevent click here.
“Above all, the safety of you and your whānau is the single most important thing. Only carry out these steps if it is safe to do so,” says Mr Wilson.
“Please remember, we are here to help but it may take us longer to get back to you due to already high claims volumes. If you do need to make a claim, please claim online in the first instance -Tower customers can do this via My Tower. This helps keep our phone lines free so those most severely impacted can reach us quickly. Please do not hesitate to call us if you need urgent assistance.
“We know the last two weeks have been rough. Our job is to be there for people when they need us most –our teams remain firmly committed to our customers during this stressful time.
“Like many people we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.”
Yesterday, Tower provided a market update on the Auckland and North Island weather events. Tower will provide a further updateahead of its annual shareholder meeting on 28 February.
ENDS