With bushfire season underway, we have prepared a simple list of actions to assist your Xenia clients in being prepared.

As you have undoubtedly seen, the bushfire season has started, with fires in Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania. The Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) have identified large parts of Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Victoria under an elevated risk of significant bushfire this season.

Some of Xenia’s members may be located in areas that are at risk of bushfire, so to help assist businesses being prepared, we have created the following guide.

1. Review and update your bushfire response plans

This will help staff take quick action and avoid making last minute decisions under pressure. If you don’t have one, please contact us immediately.

2. Review and update your emergency evacuation plans

When were these last reviewed? Is this communicated during the onboarding process for new staff?

3. Evaluate evacuation routes

Assess the evacuation routes in/out of your location and determine if there are other options.

4. Engage your local fire station

Contact your local fire station and invite them to visit your location to review your plans and check your location to see if you need to do anything to be better prepared.

5. Perimeter inspection

Identify and rectify any potential fire hazards, such as build up of grass, leaves, bark or fallen branches. Remove unnecessary items like pallets, boxes and other materials that may pose risks.

6. Communication and education

It is crucial that you engage your people. Describe in detail your plans and tell them what you will be doing to be prepared, monitoring, and enacting your bushfire emergency plans.

7. Individual preparedness

Encourage all team members to develop and share their personal bushfire response and evacuation plans.

8. Post-bushfire recovery plan

Develop a comprehensive post-bushfire recovery plan that outlines the steps and procedures for returning to normal operations once the immediate threat has been mitigated.

9. If a loss occurs

If your business is impacted by a bushfire event, call your Xenia mutual manager as soon as possible to get the claims process started. The sooner action is taken, the sooner we can help get you back to business. Deductibles and limits apply.

Xenia can assist members in understanding their risks, identifying their vulnerabilities, and developing contingency plans. If you require any additional information or would like to discuss your bushfire plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Xenia team at info@xeniamutual.com.

Important note:

This general information does not take into account your objectives, financial situations or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please discuss the full details with your Steadfast insurance broker. You should consider the appropriateness of the information considering your business’ situation before you act on any information. Information in this article is subject to change.

Xenia Mutual Ltd ACN 650 383 430