Wild Weather Tracker
Learn about the impact of wild weather last season and how you can prepare for the season ahead.
New research by NRMA Insurance reveals that severe weather forecasts are causing significant anxiety for Australians, with 35% of those surveyed reporting increased anxiety at the prediction of extreme weather events. A staggering 80% feel anxious about the impact of severe weather, with the highest anxiety levels among young people aged 18-24, reaching 90%.
The findings highlight the growing demand for mental health support related to natural disasters. Lifeline Australia has observed a 25% increase in calls to its disaster recovery helpline (13HELP) over the past three years, totaling more than 430,000 calls.
In response, NRMA Insurance has partnered with Lifeline to create online resilience resources within Lifeline's Support Toolkit, designed to help people cope with the mental health impacts from extreme weather.
The findings underscore the growing demand for mental health support related to extreme weather and NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Claims, Natalie Major, emphasises the importance of building emotional resilience in addition to physical preparedness.
The research is detailed in the latest NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker report, which also notes that NRMA Insurance received 9,647 claims for wild weather damage to homes and vehicles during autumn.
The NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker forms part of the Help Nation initiative, empowering Australians to prepare for extreme weather and understand local risks. Read the full Wild Weather Tracker Report for more information and to learn how to prepare for the unpredictable forces of nature.
Managing your mental health after extreme weather
Extreme weather doesn’t just take a toll on our homes, communities, and lives but also on our mental health. In Australia, 73% of people report feeling anxious following extreme weather. Additionally, 50% of Australians worry about having access to mental health support following extreme weather events.*
NRMA Insurance understands the profound impact extreme weather can have on our mental health. So, as part of our Help Nation initiative, we have partnered with Lifeline to provide a vital online resource to help people manage the mental health effects of extreme weather - Lifeline's Support Toolkit.
The Support Toolkit helps people with practical strategies to cope, as well as providing online resources so that those who are struggling can reach out for help when they need it.
Tips to prepare your home for wild weather this Winter
Keep your property safe
Maintain your yard to help protect your home before a storm strikes. Trim back tree branches that are closer to your roof or hanging over your home. Regular maintenance can help prevent potential damage to your home.
Organise repairs to your roof and balcony
Regular inspections and repairs can ensure your roof and balcony are ready to withstand wild weather. Have a licensed professional check for any potential issues that could expose your roof or balcony to damage during a storm.
Keep your car undercover
Take action when storm or hail is on the horizon Storms and hail can be incredibly destructive in just a few minutes. If possible, avoid driving during storms or wild weather and keep your car undercover.
What is the Wild Weather Tracker?
The Wild Weather Tracker is a report that monitors severe weather claims across New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania. We release these reports after every season, to encourage people to take action to protect their properties, vehicles and the community from the impacts of wild weather.
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