Prepare your business for a bushfire
It's time to prepare your business for a bushfire so you’ll be ready to act quickly and effectively before, during and after an emergency.
Why preparing for a disaster is important for your business
Planning ahead can help you keep people safe and protect the future of your business.
It will help you understand your risk, know what to do, and get your business and staff ready. By putting your plan in action, you can reduce damage and other costs, and position your business to recover quicker from a disaster.
Steps for preparing your business
Know the risks to your business
Determine the types of emergency events that might impact your business. Every business is at risk of the danger and disruption a disaster can cause.
Speak to your local council, a business advisor and other businesses about any potential risks you might face and how to prepare for them.
Use the Rural Fire Service (RFS) online mapping tool to check if your location is prone to experiencing bushfires.
Plan the actions you will take in an emergency
Sit down with your staff and make an emergency action plan. Everyone should know what to do in an emergency. Set clear roles and responsibilities and provide appropriate training.
Your plan may include, but is not limited to:
- emergency evacuation procedure
- making an emergency kit
- a financial plan
- an insurance plan
- preparing important documents and backing up your data to the cloud or a storage device.
Resources to help you make your plan:
The NSW SES Emergency business continuity plan takes about 10 minutes to complete online.
For a more comprehensive plan, refer to this guide from the NSW Small Business Commissioner. It provides advice and templates for making a more detailed plan, including for different types of disasters.
For businesses where animals are housed, such as boarding kennels, vets, horse stables, or pet shops, refer to Planning for emergencies - a guide for animal holding establishments by the Department of Primary Industries.
Be aware of conditions in your area
Stay up to date on disaster information in your area. This will help you know when to trigger your emergency action plan. For emergency assistance, dial Triple Zero (000).
Save these information sources to your plan:
- Bush Fire Information Line – 1800 679 737
- RFS website, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
- Hazards Near Me NSW app
- ABC radio frequencies
- Live Traffic NSW website
- Live Traffic NSW app (Apple iOS, Android).
Connect with your neighbours
Talk with other businesses in your area about risks and preparing for a disaster.
Local community organisations and council can also provide advice and help in an emergency.
Make connections, share your contact details and work together if disaster strikes.
Apps to download
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Hazards Near Me NSW
Hazards Near Me shows current information about local emergencies, including flood, bushfire and tsunamis, and advice on what to do to stay safe. The app can send you push notifications when there are new incidents or when information changes.
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Emergency Plus
Save the app that could save your life.
‘Emergency +’ is a national app developed by Australia's emergency services and their government and industry partners, helping people to call the right number at the right time, anywhere in Australia.
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BOM Weather
BOM Weather is the Bureau of Meteorology's weather app, giving you accurate weather information at your fingertips.
The BOM weather app includes current conditions, forecasts, warnings and radar.
