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Support for communities impacted by a natural disaster

Bushfires, floods, drought, cyclones and storms can cause personal and financial hardship for people and communities. We’re here to support our customers impacted by natural disasters, however we can.

Affected by a natural disaster?

CommBank's Emergency Assistance is available to customers and businesses affected by bushfires, floods storms, and other natural disasters. We can provide customised financial assistance such as loan restructuring and waiving of selected fees and charges.

Emergency Assistance

Preparing for a natural disaster

Bushfires

Bushfires can have devastating impacts on your personal and financial situation.

Preparing your home and car for a bushfire can reduce damage by minimising the spread of fire through debris, trees and shrubs.
Understanding the inclusions and exclusions of your insurance cover upfront can help if you need to make a claim.
It’s essential to have a strategy in place to prepare your business for bushfire season. Planning ahead is crucial for business continuity and keeping you and your team safe.

Floods

If you live in an area prone to flooding, prepare your home and car in advance and have an evacuation plan if it’s unsafe to stay. .

HealthDirect have compiled a list of common health risks and hazards, and advice on how to avoid them.
NSW Health provides guidance on how to maintain your health during and after floods.

Cyclones

Cyclones can strike quickly and intensify fast, causing flooding, high winds, and storms. Preparing your home in advance for potential damage is important, particularly if you live in a cyclone prone area.

Having a plan and an emergency kit ready to go will give you time to get to a safer location quickly.

Drought

Drought is a devastating weather event that affects whole communities, especially in regional Australia, causing extreme weather conditions and financial hardship.

If you’re a farmer, a business or member of the community in a drought declared area, there are a range of drought support measures available for you to access during this difficult time.

Storms

Damaging storms can occur unexpectedly in Australia and cause damage to your home and car from lightening, strong winds and hail.

Tips on how to prepare your home for a storm.
NSW Health provides guidance on how to maintain your health during and after storms.

What to do if your property is impacted by a natural disaster

Insurance might be the last thing on your mind while your home and its contents are under threat from an extreme storm, fire or flood.

This list can help you make any claims down the track

DO:
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible to lodge a claim and seek guidance on the claims process
- Start cleaning up, but first take pictures or videos of damage to your property and possessions as evidence for your claim
- Keep samples of materials and fabrics to show your insurance assessor
- Remove water-damaged goods from your property that might pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings
- Make a list of each item damaged and include a detailed description, such as brand, model and serial number if possible
- Let your insurer know if your property’s roof has been damaged – they will arrange emergency works to minimise any hazards and prevent further damage. This may include isolating damaged solar panels or electrical circuits and installing a roof tarp
DO NOT:
- Return to your property until emergency services have given the go-ahead
- Turn on your electricity if water has entered your property, until it’s been inspected by an electrician
- Throw out damaged or destroyed items, keep them somewhere safe
- Throw out any goods that could be salvaged or repaired
- Attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs, without asking your insurer first in writing. Your policy may not cover unauthorised work

Helpful resources

There may be a number of support options available to help you recover from the impacts of a natural disaster. Check out your insurance cover, explore support provided by government agencies or get in touch with us.

Home insurance

Home insurance offers protection against loss or damage to your building and contents caused by natural disasters – but there are some things it doesn’t cover.

Review your policy to understand whether your cover still suits your insurance needs.

This Moneysmart guide can help understand storm, flood and fire cover.

Keeping your home and appliances in good condition and well maintained can help prevent damage and unexpected costs. Be prepared with these home maintenance tips.