STORMS inflicted $1.1 billion in loss and damage in Victoria last year, says the Insurance Council of Australia.
The damage bill is more than $2.1 billion since March 2010, including the $712million damage caused by the hailstorm that hammered Melbourne’s west on Christmas Day.
The State Emergency Services says much of the damage is preventable and is using Stormsafe Week, which runs until August 26, to warn people to “prepare now or pay later”.
Footscray SES spokeswoman Marion Petersen said emergency situations could happen anywhere and at any time.
“It’s important to have a plan and know what to do in an emergency. Experience shows that those who plan and prepare can reduce the impact of the emergency and recover quicker afterwards.”
Recommended preparation includes keeping gutters and downpipes clean, securing loose items around the property and creating an emergency plan. The SES website (ses.vic.gov.au) has a step-by-step guide to creating your emergency plan.
The Footscray SES unit will provide more information on preparing for storms and flooding at sessions at Bunnings Maribyrnong this Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (9.30am-4pm). For storm emergency assistance from the SES, call 132500.
