RACV urges Victorians to get bushfire ready as one in five live in high-risk areas

RACV is encouraging Victorians to ready their homes and review their insurance as the state enters what is predicted to be an extreme summer bushfire season.

RACV General Manager Insurance and Roadside, Bill Bloodworth said it’s crucial Victorians have a plan and stay informed to ensure they are best prepared for the peak fire period.

“The state could be facing an increased bushfire risk this summer and RACV is urging Victorians living in high-risk areas to take action now to prepare their household and property,” Mr Bloodworth said.

“One in five Victorians live in high-risk areas – we’re urging you to prepare before the weather gets too hot.

“Make sure you have a plan and know how to stay informed, prepare your property and review your insurance.”

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) recommends Victorians:

Have a plan and stay informed:

• Sit down with your family or household and make a Bushfire Survival Plan, and if you already have one, it’s a great time to review it.
• Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app to stay across incidents and fire danger ratings in your area.
• Visit the CFA website to learn more about how to prepare ahead of bushfire season. 

Prepare your property as the weather begins to warm:

• Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
• Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
• Clear your gutters.
• Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
• Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
• Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.

RACV recommends Victorians review their insurance:

• Check that your home and contents and motor insurance is current and includes a level of cover in line with current building standards and regulations and that it will help provide you with sufficient coverage in case of bushfires.
• Use the home buildings calculator to estimate the cost to rebuild or repair your home and the home contents calculator to estimate the cost to repair or replace your contents.

 

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Products issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}

^{RACV Trades is a trading name of RACV's trade partner, Club Home Response Pty Ltd (Victorian registered domestic building practitioner number CDB U 100178). All works are performed or arranged by Club Home Response Pty Ltd. trading as RACV Trades.}