Whether you evacuated or remained in your home, make sure you are somewhere safe and secure and keep yourself informed on the situation. Is the storm over? Is it safe to return home to check the damage? Follow the directions of emergency services. If you do return home, be careful and watch for hazards. If you need help, use the following numbers:
Ambulance/Fire/Police – 000
SES 24 hour emergency line – 132 500
Local police – 131 444
You can check on the situation through the State Emergency Services in your state:
ACT – www.esa.act.gov.au
NSW – www.ses.nsw.gov.au
QLD – www.qld.gov.au/emergency
Tasmania – www.ses.tas.gov.au
Western Australia – www.emergency.wa.gov.au
South Australia – www.ses.sa.gov.au
Victoria – www.ses.vic.gov.au
Northern Territory – www.pfes.nt.gov.au
It’s important to check on your family and friends and let them know you are safe too. You can register with the National Registration and Inquiry System by calling 1800 727 077 or visiting the Australian Red Cross site. You can also use this service to check that family or friends are safe if you can’t get in touch with them.
If you are insured, contact your insurer to let them know what has happened even if you haven’t been able to return home to see the full extent of the damage yet. Your insurer will be able to let you know what the next steps are, which may include completing a form and providing evidence of ownership, and then discuss any short-term relief you may be able to access while your insurer processes your claim. If you don’t have your policy number, don’t worry – they should still be able to identify you by asking you to answer a few security questions.
If you have a mortgage or a loan on your property, you should also get in touch with the bank when possible. Depending on your circumstances, they may be able to assist with relief or deferring of loan payments, if you are eligible.
Is your home and contents or landlord insurance with Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne or BankSA? You can make a claim by calling or clicking on the online claim link below.
For some people, finding a temporary place to live might be as easy as calling on family and friends. If this isn’t an option for you, there are a few things you can do.
Many insurance policies cover costs for temporary accommodation - you can call your insurer to discuss options for arranging temporary accommodation. In some circumstances you may have to pay upfront and then claim the costs back. Check with your insurance provider or your policy.
If you don’t have insurance and can’t afford costs for somewhere to live, you can contact 1800 825 955 (free call, 24 hours) for help. They will be able to help you find the nearest support centre for your community.
ACT – First Point – 1800 176 468
NSW – Link2Home – 1800 152 152
Victoria – Opening Doors - 1800 825 955
QLD – Homeless Hotline – 1800 47 47 53
WA – Salvo Care Line – 08 9442 5777
SA – Homelessness Gateway – 1800 003 308
NT – Shelter Me – www.shelterme.org.au
TAS – Homeless Support Helpline – 1800 800 588
The Australian government offers a variety of disaster relief payments, including short term income support, depending on your situation and means.
You can contact 180 22 66 for assistance and to apply for a payment.
Disaster Assist also provides details on any specific programs for the natural disaster affecting you.
If you have your cards with you, you can use these for purchases or to get cash from an ATM or your bank. However, if you don’t have these, there are still options:
Going through a natural disaster can be traumatic and stressful. There is a range of organisations you can speak to if you need emotional support after the experience. Two options are listed below but you can also search online to find services specific to your state.
National Disaster Support – 180 22 66
Lifeline – 13 11 14
You can also speak to charitable organisations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army for a range of support services.
Sources: SES Australia, Australian Government Department of Human Services
This information is correct as at 12/12/2021.
This information is general information only and has been prepared as a general guide only.
Home and Contents and Landlord Insurance are issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Westpac, St.George Bank, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA - all Divisions of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233714 (the Bank) arranges the insurance under a distribution agreement with Allianz Insurance, but does not guarantee the insurance. This information does not take into account your personal circumstances. Before making a decision, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. For more information call 1300 650 255.
A target market determination has been made for this product. Please view target market determination for the relevant brand by visiting westpac.com.au/tmd for Westpac, stgeorge.com.au/tmd for St.George, bankofmelbourne.com.au/tmd for Bank of Melbourne, banksa.com.au/tmd for BankSA.
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