Here are some tips to prepare your business and stay safe this bushfire season:
1. Create a bushfire safety plan
Develop a clear and concise bushfire safety plan that is easy to follow when there is an emergency. Ensure your plan includes:
- Emergency contact details for staff and emergency services.
- Evacuation routes and assembly points.
- Roles and responsibilities for employees during a bushfire emergency, ensuring everyone knows what to do.
- A communication strategy to keep everyone informed if the situation escalates.
Ensure that all staff are familiar with the plan, conduct regular practice drills and maintain emergency kits.
The CFS has developed a detailed bushfire safety guide for businesses, providing comprehensive information and resources to consider when creating a plan.
2. Understand your bushfire danger
Familiarise yourself with the Fire Danger Rating System and the Fire Ban Districts your business operates in. Be aware of Fire Danger Season dates and how Total Fire Bans or restrictions may affect your operations.
3. Stay informed
Subscribe to local bushfire alerts and set up a system to keep staff informed in case of an emergency.
4. Protect important documents
Critical business records, customer information, and insurance details should be backed up digitally on the cloud or stored in a fireproof safe should you have one. Consider investing in digital backups of essential documents and ensure your data storage solutions are secure.
5. Review your insurance
Ensure your business insurance covers bushfire damage. This includes both property and business interruption insurance. Check the terms of your policy and update it if necessary to reflect any changes in your business, location, or assets.
6. Prepare your premises
Clear vegetation and flammable materials from around your building. Check that fire exits, alarms, and sprinklers are functional and ensure emergency vehicle access.
7. Prioritise staff safety
Train employees on fire safety procedures, including evacuation routes and the use of fire extinguishers. Ensure they have access to protective equipment.
8. Plan for business continuity
Prepare for disruptions by considering remote work options or alternate locations, and communicate potential closures to customers.
9. Practice fire safety
Encourage habits like turning off electrical appliances and keeping fire exits clear. Regularly review fire safety procedures with your team.
10. Update your bushfire plan regularly
Review and update your bushfire plan annually or whenever circumstances change. Stay flexible and ready to adapt to new threats.
More information
The CFS website has an extensive list of fact sheets, tools and resources to help you plan early and guide you when a bushfire happens. You can also book an in-person information session if you need support to develop your bushfire plan for your business.
Further links
