Legal Aid CEO John Boersig says the new resource is all about how to prepare and respond to severe weather emergencies. Photo: Claire Sams.
Severe weather and natural disasters can test even the most organised person, but new resources from Legal Aid ACT are designed to help you prepare for the high-risk weather season in the ACT and recover quicker.
CEO John Boersig said the organisation wanted to make sure Canberrans of all ages were prepared.
“We only have to go to Los Angeles at the moment to see what can happen, even during winter,” he said.
“Canberra and Canberrans need to be ready and so knowing what to do at a time when you’re in a very emotional and difficult circumstance is why we developed this book.”
Mr Boersig said many people struggled to find or remember key details and documents when they were affected by a weather emergency.
“People often think, ‘Who is my insurer? I’ve got two cars, who insured them?’, or ‘Who insures my house? How do I contact them?’
“Often, they don’t know, and they’re in a situation of stress trying to make the best decisions they can in very difficult circumstances.”
For those dealing with a weather crisis, the resources have information on how to replace lost or destroyed documents, how to access crisis assistance payments, what rights and obligations a tenant has and how people can lodge insurance claims.
Mr Boersig said making sure they knew their legal rights and where they could get help, was the best step Canberrans could take.
“They’re not prepared. That’s the truth of it, and particularly in relation to knowing what to do if you lose all your documentation, what to do about [their] insurance,” he said.
“All that goes out the window when you lose these things.”
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Dr Marisa Paterson encouraged Canberrans to think about how prepared they were for emergencies like severe weather.
“Legal Aid ACT has developed these resources to assist the community in ensuring they are legally prepared for high-risk weather seasons,” she said.
“I emphasise the versatility of these resources: much of the information can be used to prepare for and respond to a range of disasters, including bushfires, floods, and storms. We anticipate the community will use this information now and well into the future.”
The High-Risk Weather Season Resources can be accessed at Legal Aid ACT.
Loading ...
