MEDIA ALERT For immediate release Brisbane residents urged to prepare for more wild weather

With more severe storms predicted for this afternoon and the weekend, Suncorp Insurance is urging
Brisbane residents to take the necessary safety precautions for their home and vehicles.
Since last Thursday's severe storm, Suncorp Insurance has received more than 25,000 claims for home, contents and car damage, and says further damage can occur if residents are not properly prepared.
Suncorp Insurance spokesperson, Melissa Cronin, said this was crucial, particularly for those residents with existing damage following last week's storm.
"We've unfortunately already had a taste of the destructive force of Mother Nature so we strongly encourage affected customers to call us so the appropriate safety measures can be arranged.
"Many homes are still damaged following last week's storm, so if a customer is in a position to organise their own make safe, they can do so and send through photos and receipts to our office for reimbursement of the costs once they have lodged a claim.
"We're urging all Brisbane residents to be prepared, think about their movements over the weekend and make a point of clearing or securing any items or debris that can act as missiles during a storm," Ms Cronin said.
Suncorp Insurance's top tips for storm preparedness include:

Home

 Secure doors, windows and awnings.
 Remove or secure loose items around the garden, or debris from last week's storm which could be
blown about in high winds.
 Prepare a storm kit with a battery operated torch and radio, spare batteries, canned non- perishable food, can opener, water, first aid kit and blankets.
 Prepare an emergency evacuation kit which includes forms of personal identification, a mobile phone and charger, medical records and important legal documents.

Car

 Move cars undercover (where possible), or away from trees.
 If a severe storm is predicted, avoid driving where possible.
 If you do have to drive, drive to suit the conditions - slow down and leave extra space between you and the car in front.
 Do not cross any flooded roads - if it's flooded, forget it.
Suncorp Insurance encourages all Brisbane residents impacted by weather events to contact them as soon as possible to lodge a claim on 13 25 24 or online at www.suncorp.com.au.

ENDS Further information please contact:

Melissa Cronin

Corporate Affairs, Suncorp Insurance

0467 709 299

Melissa.cronin@suncorp.com.au

Marcela Balart

Corporate Affairs, Suncorp Insurance

0422 483 371

Marcela.balart@suncorp.com.au

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