Australia is set to experience warmer-than-average temperatures this fire season. Reports from the Bureau of Meteorology have said we can expect it to be hotter and more problematic than the last few years. The increase in rainfall over the last few months has promoted growth in areas that are now gearing up for a hot summer, this growth is fuel for bushfires and a problem during fire season.
As employees and team members go off on their holidays or spend time working remotely it’s a good idea to help your colleagues think about where they will be traveling this summer and how they will need to prepare for fire season.
To mitigate the impact of these devastating fires and protect our communities, proactive planning is paramount.
There are four main steps to prepare for bushfire season.
Communication and discussion
It starts with sitting down with your family, friends or colleagues and discussing what you would do in the event of a bushfire. Questions to ask in the discussion would be, when would we leave, where would we go, and what would we need to take with us? It’s important to have these discussions early so you have time to get prepared.
Be prepared to act
There are two areas to think about when it comes to being prepared. The first is having a go bag with what you’ll need when you leave if you’re unable to get back into your home or workplace. The second is to prepare your house or business in the event the structure is in the path or a fire. The key to getting your house or business prepared is to reduce the grasses, trees and bushes around your property that could provide fuel for a fire. It’s a good idea to create a buffer around your property and clear out gutters so they are less likely to be impacted by radiant heat or embers.
Understand fire ratings
They are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grass fires.
A new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced in 2022 across Australia so whether you’re at home or traveling, you will see the same rating system. There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:
- Moderate – plan and prepare.
- High – be ready to act.
- Extreme – take action now to protect your life and property.
- Catastrophic – for your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.
It’s important to know if it’s going to be a hot day and what the fire rating in your area will be. This will help you be prepared for what action you might need to take.
Stay informed and keep in contact
In your go bag make sure you have a charged battery pack for your phone so you can keep up to date with how the fire is progressing and also keep your loved ones and team members in the loop with where you are and what you’re going through.
Preparing your employees for bushfire season is crucial for their safety and wellbeing, as well as for the continuity of your business. The first step in this process is to create a comprehensive bushfire preparedness plan for your business and encourage your team members to create a personal one.
Furthermore, the start of fire season is a good time to ensure that you have updated emergency contact information for all employees and have established a clear communication plan to relay important information during an emergency.
By fostering a culture of safety and preparedness, you can empower your employees to take ownership of their safety during bushfire season and contribute to a safer and more resilient workplace.
