Prepare Now With Warnings of an ‘Extreme’ Bushfire Season

NTI is urging business owners and operators to heed warnings of a potentially catastrophic fire season and prepare now.

For the first time in eight years the Bureau of Meteorology has declared Australia will feel the effects of both El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), meaning increased risk of extreme temperatures and less rainfall.

NTI’s Logistics Risk Engineer, Kurt Herron, said now is the time to assess and update emergency contacts and processes, and business continuity plans.

Mr Herron said a business continuity plan (BCP) helps ensure the business is prepared to navigate unforeseen circumstances without compromising operations by outlining all critical information prior to the event.

“For the transport, shipping and logistics sectors it’s critical for the safety of people, freight movement, and protecting the day-to-day operations of the business,” Mr Herron said.

“It’s important people know what to do quickly. Conduct evacuation drills, back up your critical data and have emergency contact numbers such as your local fire service, Council disaster dashboards and bushfire maps readily available for all staff to access.” 

Mr Herron said a BCP should be reviewed and updated at a minimum every 12 months.

“Too often businesses are caught out by severe weather events such as fire, floods, and cyclones, by either not having an up-to-date BCP or failing to review and communicate their emergency procedures and contacts,” he said.

NTI offers a free guide to developing a BCP which outlines the critical information businesses require to help continue operating during an unforeseen event. 

NTI’s Chief Customer Officer, Janelle Greene said with the severe weather predicted for this Spring and Summer, revisiting business continuity and emergency action plans must be a priority.

“The fire risk for this season is heightened compared with last Spring’s predictions. Australians are becoming increasingly familiar with severe weather conditions but we can’t become complacent,” Ms Greene said.

“An effective BCP is easily accessible and communicated to all key people within the business to ensure they know what to do should the unexpected happen,” she said.

“As Australia’s leading specialist insurance provider, we see first-hand the damage these conditions can cause. Our people are committed to providing insight and tools to help businesses prepare for extreme weather events.”

NTI provides free dedicated resources to ensure customers have access to vital information and support for any severe weather condition.