Gold Coasters are being urged to plan and protect their homes for potential Summer storms before heading off on holidays.
It comes as new data reveals the city has seven out of the 10 hotspots in Queensland for severe weather.
Upper Coomera took out top spot for weather-related callouts in the past year.
That was closely followed by Helensvale, Oxenford, Tamborine Mountain and Coombabah.
Runaway Bay and Wongawallan also made the list following the wild tornado-like event that swept through the city last Christmas.
Suncorp’s Executive General Manager of Home Prevention and Protection Anna Cartwright said the destructive scenes we saw over the 2023/2024 summer holidays should serve as a warning.
“It’s been a big year and we’re all ready for a holiday, but the last thing anyone wants is to come home to a disaster zone thanks to a severe storm,” Ms Cartwright said.
“Failing to properly plan and prepare your home leaves it vulnerable to the elements while you’re away, which is a huge risk, and one that can be reduced if you plan ahead”.
Fresh research released today by Suncorp shows eight in ten Australians (80%) are failing to properly protect their biggest asset – their home – before heading away.
“Our research shows Australians are too focused on where they are going and not thinking enough about what they are leaving behind, and what could go wrong when they’re not around,” Ms Cartwright said.
“Most importantly, don’t forget to secure and put away loose items around your backyard such as outdoor furniture and trampolines as these can turn into dangerous projectiles.”
Qld SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong echoed those sentiments, saying “it only takes one storm or cyclone to have a massive impact on a region”.
Qld SES Severe Weather Hotspots
| Rank | Location | Region |
| 1 | Upper Coomera | Gold Coast and Hinterland |
| 2 | Helensvale | Gold Coast and Hinterland |
| 3 | Oxenford | Gold Coast and Hinterland |
| 4 | Holloways Beach | Cairns |
| 5 | Tamborine Mountain | Gold Coast and Hinterland |
| 6 | Coombabah | Gold Coast and Hinterland |
| 7 | Gatton | Lockyer Valley |
| 8 | Runaway Bay | Gold Coast and Hinterland |
| 9 | Wongawallan | Gold Coast and Hinterland |
| 10 | Machans Beach | Cairns |
