Bushfires have long been a natural and crucial part of the Australian ecology, lasting thousands of years. These fires can have a significant impact on people, property, and the environment. Bushfires are a complicated threat that require multiple elements to align.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate the severity of dangerous bushfires. Drought, humidity, temperature, and wind are all factors to consider while making projections. As the climate changes, it is quite likely that prolonged heatwaves and droughts will become more common, increasing the likelihood of bushfires 1.

When are bushfires most likely to happen?

Bushfires can occur around the year in different parts of Australia. However, each region experiences distinct seasons for bushfires.

  • Northern Australia — June through November throughout winter and spring.
  • New South Wales and Southern Queensland — September to February during spring and summer.
  • Southern Australia — December to March throughout summer and autumn.

How to prepare for a bushfire?

To prepare your business or home for bushfires follow these steps:

General preparedness:

  • Stay informed: Regularly check weather forecasts and warnings from reliable sources.
  • Maintain your property:
    • If in a tenanted property, report any issues to your landlord.
    • Regularly inspect your roof and seal any gaps to protect against potential ember attacks.
    • Take precautions regarding flammable materials and ensure hazardous substances are moved away from your building.
  • Create an emergency plan: Develop a comprehensive plan for evacuation, communication, and safeguarding important assets ensuring all staff are trained/aware of the plan.
  • Review insurance coverage: Consult your broker to ensure your insurance cover is up to date and it includes recent significant purchases and covers all necessary aspects of your business property, including fences, gates, and outbuildings if applicable.

Pending event:

  • Stay updated: Monitor local news updates and warnings closely.
  • Secure your premises: Secure windows and doors with protective coverings.
  • Protect important assets: Back up data and consider relocating valuable stock to a safe location that is not at risk of bushfire damage.
  • Communicate: Inform employees about the emergency plan and their roles.
  • Test backup systems: Ensure generators or uninterruptible power supplies are in working order.

Post-event:

  • Ensure the safety of you and your staff: Examine yourself and those around you for injuries and take care of those that need attention.
  • Follow the directions of local authorities: Take instructions from emergency services or local government agencies.
  • Secure your property: Take immediate steps to prevent further damage.
  • Check utilities: Verify the status of water, gas, and electricity. Contact utility companies if needed.
  • Clear debris: Safely remove debris or contact the State Emergency Services (SES) if not safe to do so.
  • Cleaning up: Wash indoor surfaces, utensils, and soft furnishings. Open doors and windows to remove odours.
  • Document damage: Record or photograph any bushfire-related damage for insurance purposes.
  • Stay informed: Keep updated on local news and recovery efforts.
  • Seek assistance: Reach out to authorities, community organisations, or support networks if needed.
  • Contact Gallagher: As soon as possible, provide detailed information and evidence of the damage

General preparedness:

  • Stay informed: Regularly check local news updates and warnings from reliable sources.
  • Maintain your property:
    • If in a tenanted property, report any issues to your landlord.
    • Inspect and maintain windows, doors, and roofs.
    • Clear vegetation around your home to create a firebreak.
    • Consider installing fire shutters for windows and adding ember guards to vents.
  • Create an emergency plan: Create a thorough emergency response plan for your family. Plans for communication and evacuation routes should be included in this plan.
  • Review insurance coverage: Consult your broker to ensure your policies provide adequate coverage for bushfire-related damages.

Pending event:

  • Stay updated: Monitor weather updates and warnings closely.
  • Secure your premises: Secure windows and doors with protective coverings.
  • Protect important assets: Move valuable items to a safe area.
  • Test backup systems: Where available ensure generators or uninterruptible power supplies are in working order.

Post-event:

  • Ensure your safety: Examine yourself and those around you for injuries and take care of those that need attention.
  • Follow the directions of local authorities: Take instructions from emergency services or local government agencies.
  • Secure your property: Take immediate steps to prevent further damage.
  • Check utilities: Verify the status of water, gas, and electricity. Contact utility companies if needed.
  • Clear debris: Safely remove any fallen branches or debris or contact the State Emergency Services (SES) if not safe to do so.
  • Cleaning up: Wash indoor surfaces, utensils, and soft furnishings. Open doors and windows to remove odours.
  • Document damage: Record or photograph any bushfire-related damage for insurance purposes.
  • Stay informed: Keep updated on local news and recovery efforts.
  • Seek assistance: Reach out to authorities, community organisations, or support networks if needed.
  • Contact Gallagher: As soon as possible, provide detailed information and evidence of the damage.

Bushfire warnings and information

It is important to stay updated with weather forecasts, warnings, and information from reliable sources such as the Bureau of Meteorology and local emergency services. Following their advice and taking necessary precautions can help ensure personal safety during bushfires.

If you are affected and need to report damage, the Gallagher Claims team is here to help. You can complete our online form or contact the Gallagher Claims team as soon as possible.

Essential resources for bushfire preparedness

Emergency resources

Police/Fire/Ambulance: 000
State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500
Police attendance: 131 444

Claims resources

Gallagher 24/7 claims 1800 254 287 hotline.
Alternatively use the online claims form to lodge a case with us.
Sources

1Bushfires | Australian Climate Service (arcgis.com)

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