Preparing for a bushfire
Use these simple checklists to help prepare your home or business ahead of a bushfire.
- Regularly clean gutters and chimneys
- Trim overhanging branches and dead vegetation
- Seal roof gaps
- Prepare a bushfire survival plan
- Monitor local fire activity
- Approach returning with caution
Own a business? Make the the Four Qs part of your quarterly review.
When a bushfire is coming
Use this quick checklist to guide you on what to do during a bushfire.
- Keep up to date with current warnings
- Lay damp towels across external doorways
- Move furniture away from windows
- Turn off gas mains and/or bottles
- Block drainpipes and fill gutters with water
- Confirm your planned route is clear
- Tell a relative or friend where you’re going
Recovering after a bushfire
Use this practical guide to help with bushfire recovery and cleanup.
- Wait for official clearance before returning home
- Approach the property with caution
- Check the condition of your power, water, septic and sewerage
- Take photos of your property and surrounds
- Dispose of spoiled food from your fridge
- Don’t drink the water as it may be contaminated
- If your home is uninhabitable, call your insurer as soon as possible
Need to make a claim?
- Start your claim online or call 133 723 when it's safe to do so
- Don't have your policy details? Simply provide your name and address and we'll locate your policy
Counselling and support for our customers
At QBE, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we offer free access to counselling through our partnership with Assure Programs. For a confidential session, call 1800 808 374 or visit the Assure website.
We also offer assistance to customers in special circumstances, including financial hardship, family or domestic violence, health conditions, disability, remote living, and more. Contact us and we can work with you to arrange support to suit your needs.
Emergency support contacts and services
Community support services
There are many dedicated community services with extensive experience in helping people in need. Here are a few contacts to consider for support.
- Lifeline or call 13 11 44
- 1800 RESPECT or call 1800 737 732
- Australian Red Cross or call 1800 733 276
- Translating and Interpreting Service (ITS) or call 131 450
- MensLine Australia or call 1300 789 978
- 13YARN or call 13 92 76
- Rural & Remote Mental Health or call 1300 515 951
- Ask Izzy