LOCAL suburbs have featured among a top three list for Perth areas hardest hit by storms, with one insurer paying out close to $3 million in claims over a recent four year stretch.
Data released by the RAC shows it paid out more than $66 million in insurance claims between June 2012 and June 2016 to members whose properties had been damaged in a major weather event.
People living in the 6163 postcode – which covers the suburbs of Samson, O’Connor, Spearwood, Kardinya, Hilton, North Lake, North Coogee, Bibra lake, Coolbellup and Hamilton Hill – had the third highest rate of claims of any area in Perth.
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READ NOWAbout $2.9 million in claims were paid for the 6163 postcode over the four years.
Storms in July 2014 and May 2016 drove up that figure. The 2014 event caused significant damage in O’Connor and Beeliar, although storm claims from Hamilton Hill and Spearwood were common.
The postcode 6163 was behind the southern postcode of 6210 – which includes the suburbs of Falcon, Dudley Park, Erskine, Halls Head and Madora Bay – with residents here making the most claims.
Residents in 6027 (Beldon, Connolly, Edgewater, Ocean Reef, Joondalup, Mullaloo and Heathridge) finished second.
RAC homes claims manager Glen Walker said May had proven a busy month for storm claims over the last few years.
“We think this is because people are often unprepared when a sudden cold front hits, having being caught off guard by months of warm weather,” he said.
The postcodes which generated the largest volume of storms claims
1 – 6210 postcode: Coodanup, Falcon, Greenfields, Dudley Park, Erskine, Mandurah, Halls Head, Madora Bay, Meadow Springs, San Remo, Silver Sands, Wannanup.
2 – 6027 postcode: Beldon, Connolly, Edgewater, Ocean Reef, Joondalup, Mullaloo, Heathridge.
3 – 6163 postcode: Samson, O’Conner, Spearwood, Kardinya, Hilton, North Lake, North Coogee, Bibra Lake, Coolbellup, Hamilton Hill.
Cockburn SES’s Erica Honey gives tips on how people in Fremantle and Cockburn can prepare for Perth’s wilder weather.
Check your roof and gutters for damage or loose material.
Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves and blockages.
Trim branches near your home and hire a contractor to clear trees from powerlines.
Clear rubbish from your yard, balcony or patio and put away any loose objects.
Prepare an emergency kit with portable radio, torch, spare batteries, first aid kit and family emergency plan.
Ensure your family understand storms and the risks.
Prepare an emergency plan including a relocation plan in case your home becomes flooded.
Consider what you will do with your pets and know how to turn off the gas.
For more information visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au.
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