When bushfire season is about to start, it’s time to act. You can use AAMI’s online checklist as a guide to prepare and secure your home.
If you prefer, you can download it to your device.
- Develop an evacuation plan specific to your home and local area.
- Identify the safest routes to community support centres.
- Confirm the contact details of friends, schools, family and people in your support network.
- Confirm arrangements for your animals.
- Establish or confirm your household’s safe meeting point.
- Locate your emergency kit.
- Mow your grass and keep your yard tidy from leaves and other debris.
- Trim overhanging trees and shrubs.
- Clean your drains, gutters and downpipes. If you’re not confident doing it on your own, hire a professional.
- Fit seals around doors and windows and repair gaps in external walls.
- Remove material that can burn around your home, such as door mats, wood piles and mulch.
- Consider installing metal fly screen for a more permanent protection for your home.
- Install and prepare a sturdy hose that is long enough to reach all corners of your property.
- Make sure your home and contents insurance are up to date.
- Block up areas where embers can enter the house.
- Monitor weather alerts. Follow authorities’ advice, like your state or territory fire service or your local government.
- Take photos of your property, both inside and out. They could be helpful if you have to make an insurance claim.
- Consider transporting important documents and irreplaceable items to a safe place ahead of time.
- Pack enough drinking water and non-perishable food for three days.
- Have a first aid kit ready.
- Pack toiletries and towels.
- Pack a torch with spare batteries.
- Pack your devices and chargers.
- Organise hand sanitiser and face masks.
- Prepare important documents and valuables, including cash.
- Don’t forget any medication and scripts.
What’s next?
Leaving early is your safest choice, and your safety should always be your priority. You can start the process of making a claim after the fire.
For support during this bushfire season, visit AAMI’s Bushfire Hub.
Disclaimer
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to aami.com.au for a copy. Target Market Determination also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it. Please make your own enquiries.