It’s that time when the Australian summer rolls in, and unpredictable weather looms on the horizon. Whether it’s La Niña (increased rainfall), or El Niño (reduced rainfall) the storms cometh, and the bushfire risk increases.

However, with some careful planning and risk mitigation, you can keep your business moving forward and reduce the risk of a claim.

So, here are six things to check to ensure your business is summer-ready:

1. Building Maintenance

Check your maintenance programs are up to date and that any outstanding jobs are complete. Jobs include:

  • Roofing – replace broken tiles and fix holes to prevent leaks.
  • Gutters – remove debris to reduce overflow and fire risk.
  • Trees – prune back trees to minimise storm damage.
  • Shade Cover – ensure any shade cover is robust enough to withstand wild weather.
  • Stock – protect any stock stored outside or in outbuildings from the weather.

Getting building ready for summer by cleaning gutters.

2. Power Outage Plans

A power outage or surge is possible, whether it’s hot weather or a storm. Therefore, it’s prudent to check that:

  • Equipment is working and protected.
  • Equipment can be quickly relocated or sourced if required.
  • Generators or other backup power sources are working and ready to run when needed.

3. Business Continuity Plans

It’s advisable to have a plan to tackle operational issues caused by severe weather events. Be it a flood, fire or storm damage, staff, customers, and suppliers must be kept safe and informed.

Check that essential data and documentation are backed-up and always easily accessible should the premises be impacted by a fire, flood or other event that disrupts your usual operations.

4. Staff Training

Now is an excellent time to explain the continuity plans to your team so they know what to do should the business be impacted by an extreme weather event or other business interruption event.

Whether it’s how to direct customers, remain safe or details of interim working arrangements, your team must know what to do in a crisis.

5. Check Insurance Cover

Check-in with your insurance adviser and review your business interruption cover. After all, it can be a lifeline for your business. Business Interruption cover can provide financial support to cover the loss of revenue and help with the expenses needed to get you back on your feet. Whether you have made no improvements to your premises or undertaken renovations, keeping your adviser and insurer up to date is essential.

 

Business partners planning work and discussing ideas at meeting about business getting summer ready

6. Seek Professional Risk & Insurance Advice

Your insurance adviser can advise on continuity plans and risk mitigation, and ensure your business remains adequately covered during business interruptions. If you need help, contact Clear Insurance on 1300 721 132 or email info@clearinsurance.com.au.

General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

Clear Insurance Pty Ltd. ABN 41 601 916 689. AFSL No. 548953.