Bush fire safety and preparation tips

While bushfires are fortunately not as common in New Zealand as they are in some parts of the world, dry summers can result in wildfires that sometimes threaten people and property. With climate change intensifying fire seasons worldwide, it's important to know how to protect yourself and your property in the event of a bushfire emergency. In this article, we'll discuss vital steps to take if a bushfire erupts near your home.

Before a fire

Develop a bushfire survival plan

• Create a detailed evacuation plan with multiple escape routes and meeting points.
• Identify safe locations where you can seek shelter if evacuation is not possible.
• Prepare an emergency kit containing essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medication, important documents, and first aid supplies. See our blog on what to pack in your emergency grab bag.
• Discuss the plan with your household members and make sure that everyone understands what to do.

Prepare your property

• Keep your surroundings clear of debris, dead vegetation, and flammable materials.
• Trim trees and shrubs to create a firebreak around your home.
• Keep your garden hose connected and ready for use, along with any firefighting equipment you may have.

During a fire

Prioritise your safety first

If a fire breaks out in your area, it's extremely important that you follow the advice of authorities, including police, Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. If an evacuation is called for your area, follow it immediately. If you have a disability or need support, contact your support network or call 111 in an emergency.

Stay informed

• Monitor local news outlets, emergency services and official websites, including Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
• Familiarise yourself with the fire danger rating system and understand what each level means for your safety.

Act early

• If there is smoke in the area, close all windows and doors, turn off any home ventilation systems and stay inside.
• If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately without hesitation. You are more important than your stuff!

After a fire

Take care

• Even after the immediate threat has passed, take care when returning to your property, and only return when authorities have said it is safe to do so.
• Be careful of hotspots and smouldering remains that could reignite.

Claim online as soon as you can

With phone lines busy after any large emergency event, it's best to make your insurance claim online via My Tower. If you don’t have an account yet, you can use our online claims form. This will save you time and keep phone lines available to those who need urgent assistance.

Read your policy wording – you might find out that you can make a claim for something you didn’t know about.

If you require urgent assistance or your home is unsafe to live in phone us on 0800 379 372. Tower offers temporary accommodation if your house is uninhabitable.

Collect information for your claim

• Write a list of everything that was damaged to ensure you don’t miss anything.
• If you can access any proof of purchase for items that were damaged, keep these receipts together with the list.
• Record the damage using video or photos before starting any clean up.
• Keep any damaged items that don’t pose a health and safety risk.
• Retain copies of invoices for all make-safe repairs.

Let's wrap that up

Being prepared for a bushfire is important for you and your family's safety. By staying informed, developing a survival plan, and taking proactive measures to protect your property, you can help ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your home. Remember, preparation is key, and early action can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and be ready to act if a bushfire threatens your area.