Transport, shipping, and logistics insurance specialist NTI has urged business owners and operators to brace for this year's “extreme” bushfire season.
The warning follows the Bureau of Meteorology's (BoM) forecast that Australia will feel the effects of El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole for the first time in eight years, increasing the risk of extreme temperatures and less rainfall.
NTI logistics risk engineer Kurt Herron advised business owners and operators to assess and update emergency contacts, processes, and business continuity plans (BCPs).
“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,” 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.”
BCP helps businesses prepare to handle unforeseen circumstances without compromising their operations by outlining crucial information before the event.
Herron advised business owners to review and update their BCPs at least 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 chief customer officer Janelle Greene emphasised the significance of revisiting BCPs and emergency action plans as the BoM expects Australia to face extreme weather this spring and summer.
“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,” she 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.
“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 has a free guide to developing a BCP to ensure Australians have access to key information and support for extreme weather.
As the insurance industry braces for the bushfire season, the Insurance Council of Australia recently called on Australians to prepare for bushfires to reduce risk and safeguard their homes and property.
