Every responsible business (and building) owner should have an evacuation plan in place and be conducting regular emergency evacuation training.

Just a few months ago Australia was in the grips of its worst bushfire season on record. Now more than ever it’s vital to have a clear and concise bushfire plan in place – even if you think you’re out of the danger zone.

How to be prepared for a fire

Step 1: Prepare a bushfire plan

A bushfire response and emergency plan will form part of the wider emergency response measures. There are several key components:

• Emergency procedure plan
  • Include emergency exit diagrams, bushfire shelter locations, list of people in charge and anything else we advise during a consultation
• Instruction for responding to a broadcast Bushfire Alert
• Details of fire wardens and First Aid Certified employees
• Contact details of key personnel
• Disaster recovery plan
• First aid equipment for 3 days

In the process it’s prudent to check fire protection equipment has recently been inspected, first aid kits are well stocked, emergency exit lighting is operational and exit routes are unobstructed.

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with us for help assembling a tailored emergency evacuation plan that covers all the bases and keeps your people safe.

Step 2: Emergency evacuation training

Once your emergency response measures are in place, it’s time to test them. Emergency evacuation training has two main benefits:

1. Employees/building occupants are familiar with emergency exit routes and procedures
2. Lower risk of panicked response in an actual emergency

We recommend conducting emergency exit drills every 6 months at least. In the lead-up to fire season it’s also prudent to brief staff on special bushfire response plans, including:

• Bushfire Alerts
• Fire danger ratings
• Nearby bushfire shelters
• Preparation steps

If recent events have taught us anything, it’s impossible to predict how a fire is going to behave. However with the right preparation and regular training, you can rest assured employees and visitors will be safe in case of a bushfire threat.

Step 3: Maintain and update emergency preparation measures

Good work getting your emergency response plan ready – but remember it’s only useful if it remains up to date. On top of regular evacuation training, here’s how to maintain effective fire protection measures:

• Conduct regular inspections of all on-site fire protection equipment
• Review emergency procedures at least annually
• Ensure fire wardens who leave the business are replaced

And finally, make sure to stay informed by subscribing to alerts from the relevant fire authorities. Taking steps to protect your property (and yourself) early, including putting together an emergency response kit, could mean the difference between safety and danger in a bushfire emergency.

How Fire Safe ANZ can help

Fire Safe ANZ are the first port of call for emergency response planning, including emergency evacuation training, customised response plans, and fire protection equipment certification.

If you’re thinking ahead to next bushfire season, reviewing emergency readiness, or starting from scratch with a new building and want to make sure you have the best systems in place, give us a call today.