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Preparing your farm for cyclone season

18 December 2015

We love summer here in Australia, but with the warmer weather comes some seasonal dangers - threats to our livelihood (and lives) that we must contend with every single year. Of all the weather changes that take place over summer, few are as damaging as tropical cyclones.

With storms occurring with increasing frequency, it's important to seek professional advice from your local agent about having the right insurance cover to protect your livelihood and the risks your farming enterprise faces.

While the 2015-16 El Nino season is predicted to see fewer tropical cyclones impacting Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology has observed that the amount of heavy precipitation, storm surges and extreme sea-levels are all likely to increase in future due to our changing climate.

Of all the weather changes that take place over summer, few are as damaging as tropical cyclones.

Be ready for anything

One thing is for sure - you shouldn't use the forecast of a quiet cyclone season as an excuse to lower your vigilance. Geoscience Australia's Natural Hazards in Australia report in 2007 found that tropical cyclones in Australia had been responsible for over 2,000 fatalities since 1839, at an estimated cost of $266 million per year - 25 per cent of the nation's total annual disaster cost.

In the case of extreme weather, it pays to remember the old adage that prevention is better than cure. Being prepared for whatever the elements throw at you should be a priority, and you need to take the time each season to ensure your farm, and indeed your home, is ready. Get Ready Queensland offers an array of preparedness tips, including:

  • Keep your roof in good condition, with gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain
  • Identify where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power and gas
  • Secure outdoor furniture and garden items
  • Prepare your own sandbags to help protect your home

Nature's wrath can build and rain down pretty quickly, even with modern weather forecasting technology, so maintaining an acceptable level of readiness year-round is essential.

Protect your livelihood

While your first responsibility in an emergency is to protect yourself, your family and workers, even if you don't suffer any injuries or damage to structures it's possible your crops will fall victim to the fury of the elements.

While there will be no getting back the hours of labour put into tending your livelihood, some peace of mind can be gained by having an insurance policy tailored to reflect the risks you're most likely to encounter in your farm business.

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