Growing skills gap in wild weather preparedness leaving Australians exposed

NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker: Growing skills gap in wild weather preparedness leaving Australians exposed

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As Australia braces for a summer of severe storms and bushfire risks, new research from NRMA Insurance reveals a growing generational skills gap in home preparedness. Almost half of Australians (45%) need help to prepare their property for extreme weather, and 87% believe people are less handy now than they were 20 years ago.

The research highlights a stark generational divide in ability and knowledge, identifying that 30% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials don't know what they need to do to prepare for severe weather events. This is compared to 16% of Gen X and 8% of Baby Boomers, who are more knowledgeable but also more likely to need physical help to do the tasks required.

The latest NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker shows the scale of the challenge, revealing more than 13,100 weather-related claims were lodged nationally during spring. This makes the total number of wild weather damage claims 54,800 in the 11 months to November, already surpassing the total for all of 2024.

NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager Retail Claims Luke Gallagher said as the severity and frequency of weather events in Australia increases, the research serves as a reminder for Australians to continue to share their knowledge and provide a helping hand to those who need it.

NRMA Insurance customers Tony and Claudio Stellino at the NRMA Insurance Help Response Vehicle in the aftermath of the Koolewong bushfires, December 2025.

Storm season has returned with renewed ferocity across the eastern seaboard, while southwest Australia faces catastrophic bushfire risks this summer. Communities on the NSW Central Coast have already been devastated, with dozens of homes destroyed by bushfires. It's clear these essential skills are more critical than ever.

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.

Luke Gallagher

Executive General Manager of Claims NRMA Insurance

When asked whether Gen Z and Millennials know how to correctly and safely protect homes from extreme weather, such as clear gutters, trim trees and branches, inspect a roof and secure outdoor items, they were far more likely than older generations to admit that they do not.

"This lack of skills and confidence is something that can be easily rectified when families get together over summer," Mr Gallagher added.

"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.

"Whether you rent or own your own home - look out for the people in your life who may not be as capable of safely preparing and offer to lend a hand."

NRMA Insurance's research also found the surprising gift three in 10 Aussies (29%) would like to receive this Christmas is help around their home or yard. In tandem, the majority of Gen Zs (53%) and Millennials (54%) would prefer to give a family member the gift of help rather than a physical gift.

With cost of living a significant issue for many, giving loved ones the gift of help is a win-win for everyone. 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.

Luke Gallagher

Executive General Manager of Claims NRMA Insurance

NRMA Insurance recommends the following steps to protect your loved ones and your property this summer:

• Ask family members if they would like to receive a gift of help this Christmas.
• Work as a family to teach younger generations skills, share equipment if needed and ensure everyone gets the help they need to complete preparedness actions.
• Focus on trimming overhanging tree branches around your home, clearing gutters and downpipes, and cleaning up debris around your property.
• Make an emergency plan together and pack an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, first-aid supplies, medications, and flashlights, portable chargers and pet food.

To download NRMA Insurance's "gift of help" vouchers below to give to loved ones this Christmas and read the full Wild Weather Tracker report click here.