Summer in Victoria doesn’t just bring longer days and warmer weather. It’s also a time when natural hazards, like bushfires, storms or floodings can impact businesses.

According to the Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services, there is an increased risk of fires in drought-affected areas across Victoria this coming summer.

Now is the time to kickstart your preparedness with these straightforward steps.

Step 1: Stay alert

Install the VicEmergency App and select location specific alerts. Staff should also have access to the app and alerts. Download the app.

Step 2: Know your risks

Learn about the benefits to planning and preparing with our Business resilience toolkit.

The toolkit and companion checklist allow you to assess and understand the impacts of a natural disaster on your business.

The free resource will help you to:

• identify what will make your business resilient to disasters
• understand how you can prepare before a disaster

Complete the downloadable resource today to help your business become more resilient. Download the toolkit.

Share the completed checklist with staff so they know what to do in your absence.

Step 3: Develop or update your emergency plan

A one-page emergency plan is a brief outline of the tasks to be done and procedures to occur in a business disruption, which also identifies staff responsibilities.

Complete your emergency management plan to stay prepared. Download the Emergency management plan template.

Step 4: Protect your assets

Review your insurance cover, consult with an expert and know your business is covered for any relevant seasonal event.

Protect your livelihood and your assets with – Find the right insurance.

Make sure your important business documents and list of contacts are saved off-site or in cloud storage, allowing for easy access should your business be impacted.

Start backing up your data with our guide – Do you have a data backup plan?

Step 5: Communication

Run through your plan with staff and make sure they know what to do before, during and after an emergency.

Remember, preparedness is not just about survival, it’s about staying calm, acting quickly and continuity.

These 5 simple steps are a great starting point for strengthening your business against seasonal events. Start planning today to protect yourself, your business and staff.