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Get your Fire Plan ready

Did you know that predicting the severity of a given bushfire season is challenging and many people fail to prepare for them? And when the threat becomes real, it can be too late and too emotional to make safe and critical decisions. No matter how small (remember embers can fly great distances to create new outbreaks), the best thing you can do is be bushfire aware – NASA data revealed in 2013 that there were 4,595 fires per week across Australia*.

1. Make sure you know your risk zone and what to do when you’re away

   Bushfires do not discriminate and you may find your workplace or holiday home could also place you at risk or you may unintentionally drive through a risk zone. Powerful winds, intense heat, thick smoke and deafening noise are very debilitating, power and water may be cut off and the darkness is terrifying. Check out the website of your local council (or of the area you’re visiting) to check for bushfire prone areas.

2. Be prepared to leave early if you’re near a bushfire alert region

   If possible, make plans to immediately evacuate whenever a warning is issued and tune in to local radio for updates and advice. Your physical safety is priority and don’t forget your pets or livestock. Always follow the advice of your local fire and emergency services.

3. Prepare your surroundings if you’re in a risk zone
   

   Keep your garden well maintained and clear of debris, remove flammable items away from the house, ensure outside items are non-combustible and the pressure relief valves on LPG cylinders face outwards. Consider installing a sturdy hose with a reliable source of water.

For more practical information, check out the NSW Rural Fire Service Bushfire Survival Plan or contact your local fire services authority:

• NSW: NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue Services
• VIC: Country Fire Authority and Metropolitan Fire Brigade
• QLD: Queensland Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service
• SA: Country Fire Service and South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service
• NT: Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
• WA: Department of Fire and Emergency Services
• TAS: Tasmanian Fire Service
• ACT: ACT Fire and Rescue

Most household policies cover bushfires but check your home, content and car insurance is up-to-date When updating or modifying your property, consider revaluating your building sum insured to cover the full replacement cost of these recent upgrades. Also consider whether you should insure your vehicle for ‘market value’ (what it would fetch on the open market, as is at claim time) or ‘agreed value’ – a fixed sum agreed between you and your insurer, which may be higher than market value. Find out more at CGU.

* http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-10/bushfire-frequency-has-increased-by-40-per-cent-over-five-years/7153182