Bushfire season: How can Aussies prepare?

With the news of bushfires in the Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek, Aussies might be feeling anxious about what’s in store this summer. Especially after fires hit other areas around the globe, including Hawaii, Canada, Algeria and Greece. 

Our warmer climate appears to be the issue. The World Meteorological Organization predicts that there is a 90% probability of El Niño in the second half of 2023, which simply means warmer air and temperatures. 

Issues surrounding the climate crisis need to be given priority and things need to change at a faster pace, but until then, we need to take care of ourselves and our surroundings. Especially each summer season because the 2019-20 bushfires cost Australian agriculture somewhere between $4 billion -$5 billion, according to a report by the University of Sydney and the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia. 

Here below, Mozo revisits a list of everything that you need to know as the weather heats up, including home insurance.

9 tips for the hot season ahead

• Create an emergency plan. Having an exit strategy detailed out gives you an edge over a crisis that might be looming out in front of you. Decide where you could go and stay, what things would you pack for in case of evacuation. 

• Check your connections: Checking electrical outlets and connections, sprinklers, and water supply can be of great help. 

• Insulation is a must: Glass wool and rock wool can help obstruct heat and flame. Cover up your gutter with guards and take care of the gaps in the house. 

• Invest in fire safety equipment: Having a fire blanket, a fire extinguisher and even sand with you at your place is imperative. 

• Clear vegetation: Follow the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice where you can clear trees on your property within 10m of your home and vegetation shrubs within 50m, without seeking any approval. 

• Prep your phone: Make sure you have switched on all bushfire alerts and that it has all the important information like phone numbers, websites that can help you during the time of an emergency. 

• Ward off & report bushfire arson: Bushfire arson is a crime and any person convicted for causing can be jailed. In 2013/14, many were severely charged.  

• Report a lit cigarette tosser: During a complete fire ban, there are heavy penalties for people throwing lit cigarettes from vehicles. 

• Check your insurance: Make sure you review your home insurance policy and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in detail so that you do not miss out on any specific detail. We have a good guide on home insurance to help with your research. 

Compare home & contents insurance in the table below.