NRMA Insurance has warned of a home preparedness generation gap that is leaving young people at risk from severe weather.  

It says a survey reveals 30% of Gen Z Australians and 26% of Millennials are unsure how to get ready for weather events.

Only 16% of Gen X Australians and 8% of Baby Boomers say the same, with physical constraints the main reason for not completing such tasks.

About 87% of respondents say Australians were “more handy” two decades ago than now.

NRMA Insurance has revealed the findings while reporting it received more than 13,100 weather-related claims in spring, with storms in NSW and Queensland the leading causes.

There were more than 54,800 wild weather claims in the first 11 months of this year, more than the overall total for 2024.  

Claims EGM Luke Gallagher says home preparation is crucial in a summer of increased bushfire risk in NSW and Victoria, and storm threats across the eastern seaboard.

“While we cannot prevent wild weather, knowing how and when to do preparedness and maintenance tasks around our homes can significantly reduce our risk and protect what we value most,” he said.  

He encourages older Australians to mentor younger family members.

“This Christmas, I encourage people who are handy around the home to teach younger generations essential home and garden maintenance skills and make sure family members and neighbours get the help they need to prepare their homes for extreme weather over summer.

“Helping others with tasks around the home to get prepared for wild weather is free, and it can make a big difference when extreme weather strikes.”