Commercial property insurer FM has shared bushfire risk reduction tips for brokers and their customers in preparation for the danger season.

Australian operations chief engineer Michael Hunneyball recommends evaluating surrounding vegetation and removing as much as possible to create a “buffer zone” that helps stop fire reaching business premises.

Policyholders should assess what their building is made of and remove or replace combustible materials, or at least introduce fire protection such as sprinklers for the outside.

“If you’ve got a gap in your building, you want to put in a very, very close-weave steel mesh to stop embers getting in,” Mr Hunneyball told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“It’s a wise investment. If you are in a bushfire-prone area, the things we advise are really going to help that property be resilient for the longer term. If it’s a case of replacing materials, or if you need to change windows, that’s worthwhile.” 

Brokers should ensure clients shut down ventilation systems, close windows and doors, and back up computer systems if a fire poses a threat. Clients who need to leave their sites should shut down equipment so loss of power will not cause damage.

“If they have to leave for a couple of days, when they return they can start production back up as quickly as possible,” Mr Hunneyball said.

FM says most property loss is preventable with the right risk management strategies. It says strategic investments and a comprehensive plan will reduce the impact of bushfires “this summer and beyond”. 

The insurer’s field engineers visit clients to assess facilities that face a high risk.

And Mr Hunneyball advises brokers to be aware of the risks to their clients and identify if they are in bushfire zones by using local council maps.

“Every summer, we want to talk to our clients and assess the risks. We look at radiant heat and fire spread from bushfires ... We also look at the building envelope to see, are there any ways embers can get inside the building easily, under doorways, through cracks or open windows? [We] then talk with clients about emergency response plans.”

Here is FM’s eight-step bushfire preparation guide:  

1. Conduct thorough policy reviews with clients to ensure bushfire damage is covered, and discuss contingency plans for supply chain disruption and financial planning amid impacts to business operations.
2. Plan evacuation routes, communication strategies and roles for employees. Regular drills and updates will ensure the plan’s effectiveness.
3. Remove vegetation, leaves and debris to reduce available fuel.
4. Clean gutters, roofs and other areas where flammable materials can accumulate.
5. Invest in fire-resistant materials for roofs, walls and windows to combat embers and radiant heat. Applying Firefree 88 resistant coating, for example, helps tackle fire, smoke and heat development.
6. Establish firebreaks around properties, clearing strips of land or using non-flammable materials to create barriers.
7. Install quality hoses, pumps and water tanks and train staff how to use them. FM’s research shows automatic sprinkler systems are the best investment against radiant heat.
8. Establish clear communication channels to alert employees and emergency services. Have back-ups such as satellite phones in case of power outages.

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