CAPALABA is the greater Brisbane region’s most storm battered suburb, according to insurance company NMRA.
An NRMA spokesperson said 27 per cent of all claims made last financial year for storm damage were lodged by the insurer’s south-east Brisbane customers, with most received for damages at Capalaba.
Cornubia was the second worst storm affected area in the greater Brisbane region, followed by Ormeau, Regents Park and Redlands suburb Alexandra Hills.
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NMRA has released the information as it partners with Queensland’s State Emergency Service to help residents become ready for storm season, which began this month and ends in March.
The spokesperson said storm activity caused about $660 million worth of damage across Queensland every year, with residents urged to clear their backyards, lop overhanging branches and make emergency plans to avoid disaster.
NMRA Insurance’s safer communities executive general manager Ramana James said people often did not realise the damage that could be caused by storms.
“It’s concerning that despite the significant damage severe storms can cause, many Australians are still underestimating the impact of storms,” she said.
“While severe weather can strike at any time, storm season sees the likelihood of storms increase, so little acts like trimming branches, clearing your gutters and securing loose items in your garden or on your balcony can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.”
Last financial year, State Emergency Service volunteers were called out to almost 900 jobs across the greater Brisbane region.
About 470 jobs were logged within the Brisbane City council area, 297 within Moreton Bay and 117 across the Redlands.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Katarina Carroll said residents could become more storm resilient by preparing for emergencies and staying off the roads during wild weather unless it was “absolutely necessary”.
“Take time to clean up around your home ensuring gutters and drains are clear of debris, move or tie down any loose objects in your yard, and ensure you have created an emergency kit including important items such as non-perishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, torch and battery powered radio.”
For more information on becoming storm ready, visit stormwise.com.au.
