Emergency-ready starts now: six steps to prepare your business

Published on 29 September 2026

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Last summer’s bushfires and flash flooding across Colac Otway showed how quickly emergencies can disrupt businesses, close roads and affect staff, suppliers and customers. With another summer approaching, now is the time to prepare.

A well-thought-out bushfire response plan is essential. Tailor it to your business, location and operations, and make sure your team knows when and how to act.

Start with these six practical steps:

  • Write or review your bushfire response plan. Set clear triggers for closing and leaving early evacuation procedures, staff responsibilities and backup communications. Plan for pets and livestock where relevant, keep access clear and maintain emergency equipment.

  • Prepare your team. Agree on staff rostering and work arrangements for high fire danger days, including when staff should not travel to or work in fire-risk areas. Update contact details and plan for caring responsibilities and welfare checks.

  • Plan for interrupted trade. Understand costs during a closure, consider a financial buffer where possible and identify alternative suppliers. Plan how you will keep customers informed.

  • Check your insurance. Review cover for buildings, equipment, stock, public liability and business interruption. Check that insured amounts reflect current replacement costs.

  • Back up essential records. Keep financial, customer, supplier and employment records, insurance policies, licences and plans secure and accessible if you cannot reach your premises.

  • Stay informed and practise your plan. Download the VicEmergency app and set up watch zones for your business and relevant locations. Monitor and follow official warnings and advice, and check forecast weather conditions, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans. Use more than one information source, such as local radio and the VicEmergency website. Practise your response with staff and review it regularly.

Make time now, before summer gets busy. Colac Otway Shire is here to support local businesses to prepare for emergencies and build resilience. A little planning now can help protect your livelihood and strengthen our community’s recovery.

Need help getting started?

Australian Industry Group’s two-part bushfire preparedness webinar is a practical resource for small businesses, covering business-specific response plans, preparing premises for fire, staff rostering on high fire danger days, and planning for pets and livestock.
Start by watching Part 1 Preparing your business for bushfire season Part 1 | Australian Industry Group

Additional resources can be found via the following links:
Plan for emergencies at work - Victoria State Emergency Service - VICSES

CFA South West – Business Bushfire Preparedness (20+) Video | Facebook

Bushfire Planning for Tourism Businesses: Bushfire planning for tourism businesses | CFA (Country Fire Authority)

Bushfire Planning for Workers: Bushfire Safety for Workers | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Business and workplace fire safety | CFA (Country Fire Authority)

Or please get in touch with the Economic Development or Emergency Management team if you have further questions. 

 

 

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