NRMA Insurance is set to undertake a 12 month trial using Australian-made technology to help fight flood risk.
In partnership with the State Emergency Service, the insurer will use new technology called DipStik in flash flood prone areas.
The technology will continuously measure water levels in flood prone areas and automatically send alerts to local council and New South Wales SES units when floodwater is detected.
The DipStik will also feature a high-powered flashing beacon to alert approaching motorists of a flooded area or road.
While it may seem like a simple solution, it is believed that it could save millions in flood claims for at-risk areas.
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“While the DipStik technology monitors floodwater levels, it can also give local councils and the NSW SES the information and early warnings they need to manage flood events and help communities better prepare and respond,” Ramana James, NRMA Insurance head of shared value, said.
“While the roll-out of the technology is still just a trial at this stage, we’re excited by the potential of DipStik technology to help improve our understanding of flood trends and reduce the risks associated with floods.”
The trial is being conducted in collaboration with six local councils and will see 18 DipStick devices deployed to flood-prone regions of Western Sydney in Campbelltown and Liverpool, as well as areas of regional New South Wales such as Shellharbour, Coffs Harbour, Wollondilly and Dungog.
SES volunteers have responded to 31,187 flood and storm jobs, performing 600 flood rescues across New South Wales in the last year.
“Early warning is important in helping us work with communities to respond to and manage the effects of floods,” Bill Roffey, spokesperson from the NSW SES, said.
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