Bushfire Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Homeowners in Regional Victoria

It’s been great to see so much rain this year to bring the plants back to life, but as history has shown it just takes a few hot days to take the threat level from ‘High’ to ‘Catastrophic’ especially here in the Macedon Ranges.

The current fires in NSW and Tasmania are a great reminder that planning ahead is essential for protecting your family, property, and financial security.

If you’re not sure that your insurance coverage is adequate, now is the time to check because it’s often too late when a bushfire has taken off in your postcode or surrounding suburbs and embargos are put in place by insurers.

Key Actions for Bushfire Preparedness:

• Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris regularly.

• Maintain lawns, trim trees, and remove flammable items from around buildings.

• Seal windows, doors, and roof gaps to limit ember and smoke entry.

• Check your insurance – are your sums insured high enough to reflect accurate rebuilding and contents costs.

• Remember to consider outbuildings, fencing, sheds, vehicles, and holiday homes in your insurance planning.

• Prepare an emergency bag with essentials including regular medications, water, chargers and torches.

• Download the Vic Emergency App (or equivalent for your state/territory) and set phone alerts for real-time bushfire updates.

Checkout the CFA website for more tips & tricks: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare