Bushfire Preparation
When a bushfire strikes, rest assured, we are here
Preparing for a bushfire
Although we live in a beautiful, golden country Australia’s hot, dry climate means we’re at high risk of bushfires during the warmer months.
So if you live or work in bushfire prone areas near bush, scrub or forestry, it’s vital you keep prepared to help ensure the safety of you, your family and your employees.
Here are some practical tips to help you reduce your risk this summer. And remember if you need any assistance – feel free to reach out to your account manager.
Before a bushfire
- If you haven’t already, prepare an emergency kit and keep it handy (this can include things like first aid supplies, torch, battery operated radio, important documents and medicines).
- Subscribe to local alerts and warning systems to allow you to stay up-to-date with expert information and advice
- Develop a survival plan for your staff, including tasks specific to your workplace Consider:
– Where is your safe assembly area and do staff know it?
– Do you have mobile numbers for all staff?
– Do you have emergency contact numbers?
– Do you have a current Business Continuity plan? - Practice and review the emergency survival plan with your staff at regular intervals
- Clear gutters and rubbish around the premises. Ensure no flammable items are stored near the work area
- Identify where and how to turn off the mains supply for water, power and gas
- Make sure the property has clear and easy access for emergency services
- Ensure your vehicle is in good working order
- Regularly service any sprinkler systems and ensure all fire hoses are well maintained
- Keep critical documentation in a portable fireproof container
- Back up critical data to the cloud or on a portable storage device. Keep it separate from your business premises
- Review your contents insurance regularly to ensure new purchases are covered and your sum insured is adequate
At the onset of a bushfire
Please only take action if it’s safe to do so. For emergencies, please call 000.
- Use local alerts and warning systems to stay up to date with expert information and advice; listen to your radio
- If a warning is issued for your area, ensure your mobile battery is full and you have a full tank of fuel
- Follow emergency services advice; when directed to do so, evacuate immediately
- Block all gutters and fill with water
- Remove flammable drapes, curtains and any other combustible materials
- If you have more than one vehicle and you won’t need it to evacuate, you should move it to another location away from the fire threat or put it in a locked garage. Avoid parking it on dry areas such as grass which can easily catch on fire
- Close all garage doors and disconnect any automatic garage remotes/keys so you can still open the doors by hand if the power goes out.
Emergency contacts
- In an emergency call 000
- State Emergency Services (SES) information
Weather information
If you’ve been affected by a bushfire, Austbrokers Countrywide is here
Important: please do not return to your property or vehicle until emergency services have confirmed you can.
We understand this is a stressful time for you, your family and your business, so we’ll do everything we can to make it easier for you.
We’ve listed important information below on how to lodge a claim, precautions you should take, and tips to help with a smooth claim process.
Precautions to take after a bushfire
Importantly, the safety of you, your loved ones and employees comes first. Please contact us if you need any further guidance. For emergencies, please call 000.
- If you have evacuated, it’s extremely important you do not return to your property or vehicle until emergency service
- have confirmed it’s safe to do so
- For several hours after the fire, maintain a ‘fire watch’; keep checking for smoke and sparks throughout the grounds around your office or home
- If you have a safe within your property, do not open it, as it can hold intense heat for several hours
- Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires
- Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot
- Do not use water that may have been contaminated
How to make a claim
- Our Claims Service Team on is here for you at any time, any day of the week.
During office hours please call 03 9835 1320. Click here for our after hours contacts
Tips for lodgement
- Tell us if there’s an immediate danger such as emergency requirements, possible roof collapse, unable to return to the property for a period of time etc
- If your property or vehicle is not completely damaged, take precautions where possible to secure them
- If your vehicle is damaged, have its approximate location ready to tell our operator
- Take photographs of any damage – where safe to do so
- Do not dispose of any damaged parts of your property, contents or vehicle until we have agreed
- Do not wash, clean or remove debris from any damaged area without our consent – unless you need to do this to prevent further damage or for sanitation
- Do not carry out or authorise any repairs without our consent – unless you need to for emergency or safety reasons.
Emergency information and contacts
- In an emergency call 000
- State Emergency Services (SES) information
- Remember that Austbrokers Countrywide is here for you – before, during and after a bushfire. If you need assistance or any further guidance, please contact us.