NSW is one of the most bushfire-prone areas on Earth, and this season started much earlier than usual. The fires that occurred during early September saw a number of people in northern NSW and Queensland lose their homes. Many people in our local area were also forced to leave their property due to the heavy smoke from fires burning on the coast.

Given the unusually warm and dry conditions we have been experiencing there is huge concern that the fire risk this summer will be much higher than usual, particularly on the east coast of NSW. And the risk isn’t limited to bushfires – grass fires will also be at heightened risk. These are of particular concern to the fire brigade as they can start easily and spread quickly, and they produce an extreme level of heat.

The NSW Rural Fire Service has a large section of their website devoted to helping people plan and prepare for the fire season. For more information on practical steps you can take to reduce your risk, visit http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare.

In addition to outdoor fires, the festive season also sees an increase in the number of insurance claims from electrical faults, barbeque fires and explosions. Here are some important tips from Vero Insurance to help ensure fire safety this summer.

• Ensure that your electrical Christmas decorations and lights are in good working order and are installed correctly.
• Christmas lights generate heat – make sure they aren’t close to wrapping paper, and never use indoor lights outside.
• Make sure you follow safety precautions when using your barbeque this summer, such as checking the gas bottle for leaks and never leaving your barbeque unattended.

It’s of utmost importance in the warmer months to make sure your insurance policy has an adequate level of cover for your unique circumstances. For an obligation-free assessment, please call TJL’s Insurance team.