RAC is urging Western Australians to prepare their homes and take extra care on our roads this weekend, as the Bureau of Meteorology warns of a severe storm set to hit our coast tomorrow.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, tomorrow’s weather is predicted to be similar to a storm in June 2012, which brought in almost 10,000 RAC insurance claims at a cost of $15.5 million.
RAC Claims Manager Glen Walker said storms like the one forecast tomorrow often come quickly, catching homeowners and motorists off guard.
“Our advice is to take a look around your front and back yard for any potential risks and try to minimise them as much as possible.
“The most common items damaged in a storm include fences and gates, ceilings, rooves and patios, which is why it’s important to prepare your home in advance, including securing any loose items around your property such as trampolines.
“It’s also a good idea to clean your gutters, down pipes and drains, and pump out some water from your pool to reduce the risk of overflow.”
RAC’s tips for weathering a storm:
- Always stay indoors and keep away from windows
- If there’s lightning, unplug electrical appliances and avoid using your landline telephone
- Make sure your pets have adequate shelter
- Keep your mobile phone fully charged
- If you find yourself outdoors during a storm, take shelter away from trees, power lines, metal objects, stormwater drains, rivers and streams
“During a storm, when roads are extra slippery and visibility is reduced, the risk of being involved in a serious crash is also much higher,” Mr Walker said.
“Even more so this weekend, with many motorists travelling longer distances and on unfamiliar roads for the first time since some travel restrictions were lifted.
“We’d urge motorists to avoid taking risks by driving to the conditions, slowing down, and if necessary, pulling over until it’s safe to drive again.”
For more storm preparation tips visit our storm preparation guide.
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
