Preparing your home for another year of La Nina

Early forecasts expect a mild La Nina peaking in late spring and a number of models from around the world expect La Nina to ease by December.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict what we’ll be hit with. The best thing you can do for your family is start preparing now to protect your home against whatever La Nina is planning. Follow our guide to get ready for the incoming wet weather.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME

Is your home in good shape to face La Nina? Here are some simple steps you can do around your home to prepare.

• Repair any leaks or water damage - small leaks will turn into bigger leaks before you know it. Look for any signs of water damage. This could look like cracking, bubbling or flaking paint, dark or wet spots on your wall, a damp or musty smell, or a spike in your water bill. If you feel your home has been affected, call a professional right away.
• Clean your gutters - if you’re a regular gutter cleaner, you can head down to the next dot point.  But if you need the reminder, now is a great time to give them a good clear out so they don’t overflow. We aim to clean our gutters at least twice a year. If your gutters can’t divert water away from your home, you can experience mould and mildew, foundation and structural damage, and flooding. Remember to always adhere to safety requirements when working at heights.
• Fixing and preventing any minor damage around your home - have a look around your home to see if there’s any little things you can fix before La Nina comes, or ways that you can prevent damage. This might be having broken roof tiles replaced, trimming overhanging branches or fixing a smashed window.

STOP MOULD BEFORE IT STARTS

Frequent visits from La Nina mean we haven’t been able to take the usual preventative measures when it comes to mould, like keeping our homes properly ventilated and limiting moisture. Not only does mould damage household items, it can do untold damage to your health. Ideally the best way to deal with mould is to prevent it, but when that isn’t an option, there’s a few ways you can treat it in the home.

If we’re in for the same amount of rain we saw last year, you can bet that dehumidifiers will be just as hard to find. And for good reason too; dehumidifiers do exactly as they suggest. They help to control humidity levels in your home by drawing moisture out of the air, which can help to prevent mould from growing. In addition, they can prevent musty odours, alleviate allergy symptoms, and even lower energy costs. Dehumidifiers can be on the pricier side, but now is the time to invest in one.

STAYING SAFE, WHATEVER THE WEATHER

For many Aussies, La Nina is a cause for concern. The incoming above-average rainfall has the potential to cause flooding, which could be as devastating as last summer’s floods. Experts are urging residents to act now so they can be prepared.

• Make a flood emergency plan - preparing an emergency flood plan ahead of time is key to staying safe in an emergency situation. In this plan, make sure you include where your gas, electricity and water are in case you need to turn them off. Download our Partner, Red Cross’ Get Prepared App. https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/prepare/get-prepared-app/
• Stay informed - flash flooding can happen very quickly, so it's important to stay connected with your community and tune into local media for current advice and warnings.
• Always follow the advice of your local authorities - rescue teams have been specially trained to keep you safe in these situations, and their advice should always be followed.

CHECK YOUR COVERAGE

Ensure your current level of insurance protects you against what La Nina may bring. Login or give us a call to check your coverage and work out what’s best for you. This might mean updating your current policy or taking out a new policy.

To find out more about NRMA Home Insurance, simply call us on 132 132 to get a quote or find us online 24/7 at nrma.com.au.