Safeguarding your business against bushfire emergencies

Australia is set for another severe bushfire season. Following three years of La Nina bringing torrential rain and devastating floods, the pendulum has now swung the other way.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has officially declared Australia has entered an El Nino weather pattern, which points to us having to endure a hotter than average summer. This extreme weather pattern is linked to increased risk, intensity, and frequency of bushfires.

At Australia's first National Disaster Preparedness Summit held in Canberra in September this year, the BOM advised warmer and drier conditions are likely for the coming months, with heatwave conditions expected this season. There is also an increased likelihood of severe storms, bushfires and cyclones.

As a business owner, it is crucial to be proactive in bushfire awareness and prevention. It's equally important to ensure your business insurance is up to date to protet your livelihood and reduce the risk of loss and damage to your business and property in the event of an emergency.

Reduce your risk

Here are a few ways you can help reduce the risk to your business and team.

Provide your team with training on bushfire safety procedures.
Incorporate a bushfire safety policy and procedures program into your induction processes for new team members.
Refresh skills and knowledge each year prior to the bushfire season.
Implement an emergency plan that details evacuation procedures, communication protocols, designated assembly points and responsibilities for each team member during an emergency.
Create off-site data backup and storage to back up business critical data and sensitive information and store them off-site or on a secure cloud-based platform.
Create a business continuity plan that outlines the steps to resume your business operations as quickly as possible. This plan should include immediate recovery needs, temporary business relocation and resolution of potential supply chain disruptions.

Here are some ways you can help protect your home and property

Review your current insurance to ensure it is up to date and you are not underinsured.
Clear gutters of leaves and twigs - embers can travel many kilometers and start a new fire.
Add a sprinkler system to your gutters
Repair damaged or missing roof tiles
Fit seals around doors and windows to eliminate gaps
Enclose the areas under the house
Repair or cover gaps in external walls
Keep lawns short and gardens well maintained
Cut back overhanging trees and shrubs
Clean up fallen leaves, twigs, and debris around your property
Have hoses long enough to reach around your house

How Coverforce can help

Don't wait until catastrophe happens to check you have the right insurance in place or decide you need cover. The effects of a bushfire are felt by all - however those who are uninsured or underinsured risk life-changing financial consequences.

The expert insurance brokers at Coverforce service businesses throughout Australia and provide personalised advice on the right insurance solution to protect your business and assets.

For more information, tailored risk management advice or to arrange cover, please contact our expert team of brokers at your local Coverforce Office.

The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. If you require advice that is tailored to your specific business or individual circumstances, please contact Coverforce directly.

REFERENCES

Find this article helpful? Click on one of the links below to share the content.

Safeguarding your business against bushfire emergencies