Create a bushfire response and emergency plan

A clear and concise bushfire response and emergency plan that your staff know how to use will go a long way to making sure they are safe.

You will need:

  • to prepare your business premise to reduce fire risk
  • an emergency kit that includes first-aid and supplies for up to three days and ensure employees know where it is
  • staff who have first-aid qualifications and train further staff if needed
  • a list of contact details for staff members, including their emergency contact person.

For more information on preparing for bushfire including why you should leave early and a downloadable Bushfire survival planning template, please visit the Country Fire Authority (CFA) website.

Use our Staff details form. Once you have filled in these documents, store them electronically, e.g. Dropbox.

Staff details form template (DOC 53.12 KB) DOC icon

Your plan should include the following:

  • who will be in charge during a fire or an evacuation
  • evacuation routes and emergency assembly sites. Make sure to include routes and information for special needs and culturally and linguistically diverse groups, including visitors or tourists
  • how and who will communicate with employees and visitors during a fire
  • how and who will check that records and other business assets are safe
  • a plan for pay entitlements and leave arrangements for employees should they be stood down or told not to report to work because of a fire threat (and let them know in advance)

Preparing your business for bushfire

The Ai Group webinar explores practical step-by-step ways to prepare for bushfire impacts through plans and actionable steps:

Looking out for your livestock, pets and other animals

If your business involves larger animals you should prepare a livestock fire plan. Agriculture Victoria website has information about livestock fire plans.

Businesses involving smaller animals (such as vets, pet stores and animal shelters) should consider them in the business fire plan.