• Ensure general maintenance around your business premises is up to date.
  
  • Remove woodpiles, rubbish heaps, dry leaves and other fuels to a safe distance from buildings (to form a fire break).
  • Prune lower branches of trees close to buildings, remove shrubs and small trees selectively and clear roof and gutters of leaf debris. Check with your local council first to see if you need a permit or consent.
  • See the TFS Bushfire Survival Plan for further information on how to prepare your property www.fire.tas.gov.au
• Consider making changes to your business buildings/property to protect against bushfire:
  
  • Install non-flammable areas (paths, driveways, lawns) around buildings.
  • Seal all gaps in your building – enclose areas under decks and floors; screen vents in to roof spaces, doors and windows with fire wire mesh; seal gaps in roof and wall cladding.
  • Replace highly flammable plants with plants with low flammability. See the Fire Resisting Garden Plants brochure on the TFS website www.fire.tas.gov.au for further information on low flammability plants.
  • Have firefighting water supply available (reticulated or minimum 10 000 static supply). If you have a static supply (tank), make it accessible by fire trucks and ensure that it is fitted with a hose and pump. Keep in mind that plastic tanks and pipes will melt. Steel or concrete is preferable.
  • Have a plan for animals and/or livestock in case of a bushfire. This includes livestock owners (including poultry and horses) registering their properties with Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment via the Property Identification Registration and Amendment System at pras.biosecurity.tas.gov.au/pras/ui
• Have firefighting water supply available (reticulated or minimum 10 000 static supply). If you have a static supply (tank), make it accessible by fire trucks and ensure that it is fitted with a hose and pump. Keep in mind that plastic tanks and pipes will melt. Steel or concrete is preferable.
• Have a plan for animals and/or livestock in case of a bushfire. This includes livestock owners (including poultry and horses) registering their properties with Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment via the Property Identification Registration and Amendment System at pras.biosecurity.tas.gov.au/pras/ui

Staff and business visitors

• Consider whether earthquakes are a risk to your business. For further information on earthquake, see the SES website www.ses.tas.gov.au or check the Land Information System Tasmania www.thelist.tas.gov.au
• If you are in a landslide prone area, consider having a suitably qualified professional undertake a landslide risk assessment for your property.
• Know the possible earthquake or ground movement warning signs (for example, sudden changes in ground water levels and erratic animal behaviour for earthquake; trees tilting down-slope, water seepage and breaks in ground for ground movement).
• Include risk mitigation strategies for earthquake in your Business Continuity Plan.
• Think about your insurance needs in relation to earthquake and make sure your chosen policy provides an appropriate level of cover for your business and that you understand any requirements.
• Keep a back-up copy of critical documents and business data in a secure off-site location.

• Ensure general maintenance around your business premises and store items appropriately:
  • brace tall, free-standing bookshelves and water heaters to stop them falling over in an earthquake
  • store heavy items on bottom shelves and secure suspended cupboard doors with heavy latches
  • store hazardous materials in waterproof containers in a secure cupboard
  • if you live in an earthquake or landslide prone area, consider seeking professional advice about ways to improve the safety of your business property in the event of an earthquake.
• Check your emergency evacuation plan does not use elevators.
• Check your incident response plan or evacuation plan includes instructions to turn off electricity, gas and water at the mains in the event of an earthquake.
• Identify the safest place in which to shelter during an earthquake or landslide. For an earthquake, this place should be clear of windows, chimneys, overhead fittings, shelves and outer walls. For a landslide, seek shelter at the least affected end of the building under a strong table or bench.

• Ensure all staff and guests are aware of emergency evacuation procedures and familiar with their roles during an evacuation, including knowing the trigger for activating emergency plans and how this information will be communicated. Ensure your evacuation plan considers the potential for aftershocks to occur following an earthquake and details where staff and guests should go.
• Ensure your staff and guests know where to access official sources of information in an emergency (for example, TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au and social media and the emergency broadcaster, ABC local radio).
• Consider how you would communicate information to staff, guests or customers in the event of an emergency (for example, bulletins, meetings, notice board, or social media).
• Ensure a list of emergency and staff contact numbers is available to all staff.
• Ensure you have an appropriate number of staff trained in first aid and that the contents of your first aid kit is regularly checked and stocked. Further information about first aid requirements is available from WorkSafe Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
• Prepare an emergency kit and store in a large plastic container. Include an emergency radio (battery, solar or hand crank) and torch. See Part 3 of the Business Continuity Plan Template for further information.
• If staff travel in vehicles during the work day, make sure you have procedures in place for what they should do in an emergency situation.
• Identify a suitable meeting place in case staff and/or guests become separated. Ensure that the location is well communicated.

During an emergency, keep yourself, your staff and guests updated by checking the TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au

If you are indoors and an earthquake strikes, drop, cover and hold. Stay indoors until the shaking stops. If you are outdoors move a few steps away from buildings, trees, street lights or power lines, then drop, cover and hold.

• Consider whether flood is a risk to your business. For further information on your flood risk, contact the SES www.ses.tas.gov.au, your local council or Land Information System Tasmania (LIST) www.thelist.tas.gov.au
• Include risk mitigation strategies for flood in your Business Continuity Plan.
• Consider your insurance needs in relation to flood and make sure your chosen policy provides an appropriate level of cover for your business and that you understand any requirements.
• Keep a back-up copy of critical documents and business data in a secure off-site location.

• Identify any problem areas and potential flood heights affecting your business property.
• Ensure your business premises are well maintained and store items appropriately:
  • consider the potential for flooding when storing items around the office or other buildings, and identify high points for stacking and storing
  • secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage
  • store hazardous materials in waterproof containers in a secure cupboard to prevent leakage
  • store your equipment on a high shelf, in a plastic container where it can be protected.
• Consider making changes to your business buildings/property to protect against flood:
  • consider installing flood-proofing devices
  • set up your business in a building that has flood resistant floor coverings, furniture and fittings that are easily cleaned and less likely to be damaged (for example, tiled floors on the ground level, raised electrical sockets).
• Check that your incident response plan or evacuation plan includes instructions to turn off electricity, gas and water at the mains in the event of a flood.

• Ensure your staff and guests are aware of emergency evacuation procedures and familiar with their roles during an evacuation, including knowing the trigger for activating emergency plans and how this information will be communicated.
• Ensure your staff and guests know where to access official sources of information in an emergency (for example, TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au and social media and listening to the emergency broadcaster, ABC local radio broadcasts).
• Consider how you would communicate information to staff and guests or customers in the event of an emergency (for example, bulletins, meetings, notice board, or social media).
• Ensure a list of emergency and staff contact numbers is available to all staff.
• Ensure you have an appropriate number of staff trained in first aid and that the contents of your first aid kit are regularly checked and stocked. Further information about first aid requirements is available from WorkSafe Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
• Prepare an emergency kit and store in a large plastic container. Include an emergency radio (battery, solar or hand crank) and torch. See Part 3 of the Business Continuity Plan Template for further information.
• If staff travel in vehicles during the work day, make sure you have procedures in place for what they should do in an emergency situation.
• Identify a place on your property where you can shelter and make sure to include this in your emergency plan.

During an emergency, keep yourself, your staff and guests updated by checking the TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au For storm or flood emergencies (that are not life threatening) contact the SES on 132 500.

• Consider whether an extreme heat event is a risk to your business. For information on extreme heat, see the DHHS website www.dhhs.tas.gov.au
• Include risk mitigation strategies for extreme heat in your Business Continuity Plan.
• Think about your insurance needs in relation to extreme heat and make sure your chosen policy provides an appropriate level of cover for your business and that you understand any special requirements.
• Keep a back-up copy of critical documents and business data in a secure off-site location in case you cannot attend the office during a period of extreme heat.

• Consider how heat affects temperatures inside your buildings. This will depend on past experience, building age, materials, design and aspect.
• Review and consider how you will cool your work environment. If you don't have air conditioning, consider alternative cooling (for example, fans, windows, blinds, etc.).
• If you have air conditioning, ensure that it has been recently serviced.
• Consider sensitive equipment such as IT and communications equipment which may be damaged by extreme heat. Check the temperature in your server room and consider cooling methods if it gets too warm.
• Animals can be particularly vulnerable to heat. If your business involves animals, make sure they have shade and cool water to last the day.

• Ensure all staff and guests are aware of emergency evacuation procedures and familiar with their roles during an evacuation, including knowing the trigger for activating emergency plans and how this information will be communicated.
• Ensure your staff and guests know where to access official sources of information in an emergency (for example, TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au and social media and listen in to the emergency broadcaster, ABC local radio ).
• Consider how you would communicate information to staff and guests or customers in the event of an emergency (for example, bulletins, meetings, notice board, or social media).
• Ensure a list of emergency and staff contact numbers is available to all staff.
• Ensure you have an appropriate number of staff trained in first aid. Make sure that they know the symptoms and first aid treatment for heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and that the contents of your first aid kit are regularly checked and stocked. Further information about first aid requirements is available from WorkSafe Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
• Ensure staff and guests know to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. It is recommended that individuals drink two to three litres of water a day, even if they do not feel thirsty.
• If staff members are required to wear uniforms or personal protective clothing during periods of extreme heat, provide lightweight, light coloured options.
• If required to work outdoors, provide staff with adequate personal protective equipment (for example, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Consider whether it is safe to work on high heat days.
• Contact your suppliers during periods of extreme heat to confirm whether their deliveries and movements will be disrupted.

During an emergency, keep yourself, your staff and guests updated by checking the TasAlert website www.alert.tas.gov.au In periods of extreme heat, avoid strenuous activities, and keep hydrated. Cool your property by keeping curtains and blinds closed during the day and where possible, allow ventilation overnight.

• Consider the risk of influenza pandemic to your business. Likely impacts include staff absenteeism and disruptions to supply chains, services and resources that your business relies on. For further information on influenza pandemic, see the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website's communicable diseases prevention page www.dhhs.tas.gov.au
• Include risk mitigation strategies for influenza in your Business Continuity Plan, including strategies to mitigate the financial impacts from ongoing reduced consumer spending and investment confidence during pandemic.
• Consider your insurance needs in relation to pandemic (for example, loss of income) and make sure your chosen policy provides an appropriate level of cover for your business and that you understand any requirements.
• Familiarise yourself with the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza from www.health.gov.au and Tasmanian Pandemic Plans from www.dhhs.tas.gov.au

• Consider holding a six-week supply of hand hygiene products (including alcohol-based hand gel), tissues and no-touch rubbish bins for staff and client/customer use during a pandemic.
• Consider purchasing a six-week supply of face masks for use during a pandemic by staff who may have ongoing close contact (within a metre) with people at work, in line with advice provided in the 2014 AHMPPI (note, education on the appropriate use of face masks is essential to avoid unintended negative consequences).
• Consider purchasing and maintaining technology and equipment (for example, laptops, mobile phones, video-conferencing equipment) to support flexible and alternative work arrangements during a pandemic where feasible.

• Ensure your staff and guests are aware of pandemic procedures and their roles, including knowing the trigger for pandemic plans and how this information will be communicated.
• Ensure your staff and guests know where to access official sources of information during a pandemic (for example, TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au and social media, Department of Health and Human Services website www.dhhs.tas.gov.au and listening to the emergency broadcaster, ABC local radio). Advice is likely to change quickly, especially in the early days as information about the new virus and how it behaves becomes available.
• Consider how you would communicate information to staff and guests or customers in the event of a pandemic (for example, bulletins, meetings, notice board, or social media).
• Ensure a list of emergency and staff contact numbers is available to all staff.
• Ensure you have an appropriate number of staff trained in first aid and that the contents of your first aid kit are regularly checked and restocked. Further information about first aid requirements is available from WorkSafe Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
• Encourage staff to get immunised against seasonal influenza each year, to reduce the overall burden of influenza on the community, the workplace and health services.
• Identify ways to support staff health and wellbeing during a pandemic; this may include providing access to counselling services and supporting employees who are ill or in home quarantine during a pandemic.
• If you have staff who may be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza and who have ongoing close contact (within a metre) with clients at work, consider assigning alternative duties for the duration of an influenza pandemic.
• Reconsider the need for staff to provide medical certificates to access paid sick leave during a pandemic. There will be high demand for doctors' appointments during a pandemic and GP clinics will also be affected by staff absenteeism.
• Consider what effects unusually high rates of absenteeism could have on your business over an extended number of months, and determine minimum staffing levels needed to maintain normal service delivery or production levels.
• Minimise key person dependency. Identify key positions and responsibilities and ensure there are staff trained to cover these roles as necessary. Maintain step-by-step guides for essential processes and procedures. Your business Continuity Plan will help you with this.

In the event of an influenza pandemic, keep yourself, your staff and guests updated by checking the TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au The public health response to pandemic involves international agencies such as the World Health Organisation with the Commonwealth Department of Health and the Tasmanian Government's Department of Health and Human Services.

• Consider whether storms are a risk to your business. For further information on storms, see the SES www.ses.tas.gov.au or check the Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au/tas Storms affect all parts of Tasmania but different areas experience varying storm scenarios (for example, the west and north-west coast of Tasmania are particularly exposed to prevailing storm weather).
• Include risk mitigation strategies for storm in your Business Continuity Plan.
• Think about your insurance needs in relation to storms and make sure your chosen policy provides an appropriate level of cover for your business and that you understand any requirements.

• Ensure general maintenance around your business premises and store items appropriately:
  • get your roof checked to make sure it is in good condition, and repair any damage
  • trim tree branches overhanging your roof. Check with your local council first to see if you require any permits or consents
  • repair any corrosion, loose fittings and/or rotting timber
  • clear or secure any loose items that could cause damage if blown around in high winds (for example, outdoor furniture, potted plants, etc.). Clear gutters, drains and downpipes so that water can drain away quickly
  • store hazardous materials in waterproof containers in a secure cupboard.
• If you live in a flood prone area, consider making changes to your business property to protect against flood:
  • consider installing flood-proofing devices
  • set up your business in a building with flood resistant floor coverings, furniture and fittings that are easily cleaned and less likely to be damaged (e.g. tiled floors on the ground level, raised electrical sockets)
  • identify where your equipment could be relocated or how it could be protected.
• Ensure you have enough stock on hand to supply your business and customers in the event of severe storm damage.

• Check that your incident response plan or evacuation plan includes instructions to turn off electricity, in the event of a storm. Avoid using landline phones in the event of a storm.
• Know how to manually override electronic access to your business or garage.
• Keep TasNetworks' 24 hour fault number (132 004) in an accessible location. Call this number if you have an electrical fault or notice sparks from nearby powerlines.
• Consider alternative power supplies for your business in the event of an outage. Note that portable generators should be used with extreme caution and back-up generators should not be plugged into your switchboard. See TasNetworks website for further information on power outage safety and preparation www.tasnetworks.com.au

• Ensure your staff and guests are aware of emergency evacuation procedures and familiar with their roles during an evacuation, including knowing the trigger for activating emergency plans and how this information will be communicated.
• Ensure your staff and guests know where to access official sources of information in an emergency (for example, TasAlert website and social media, radio broadcasts).
• During extreme weather events, such as snow, roads may be closed. Check the Tasmania Police website for updates on road closures www.police.tas.gov.au
• Consider how you would communicate information to staff and guests or customers in the event of an emergency (for example, bulletins, meetings, notice board, or social media).
• Ensure a list of emergency and staff contact numbers is available to staff.
• Ensure you have an appropriate number of staff trained in first aid and that the contents of your first aid kit are regularly checked and restocked. Further information about first aid requirements is available from WorkSafe Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
• Prepare an emergency kit and store in a large plastic container. Include an emergency radio (battery, solar or hand crank) and torch. See Part 3 of the Business Continuity Plan template for further information.
• If staff travel in vehicles during the work day, make sure you have procedures in place for what they should do in an emergency situation.
• Identify a place on your property where you can shelter and make sure to include this in your emergency procedures.

During an emergency, keep yourself, your staff and guests updated by checking the TasALERT website www.alert.tas.gov.au and tune into the emergency broadcaster, ABC local radio. Stay indoors and disconnect all electrical appliances and avoid using the telephone. For storm or flood emergencies (that are not life threatening) contact the SES on 132 500.

• Identify the type of natural hazards that could affect your business. The following sources of information could help you with this:
  • your council's municipal emergency management plan
  • Land Information System Tasmania maps www.thelist.tas.gov.au
  • Tasmania Fire Service www.fire.tas.gov.au
  • State Emergency Service www.ses.tas.gov.au
• Include risk mitigation strategies for these hazards in your Business Continuity Plan.
• Think about your insurance needs and make sure your chosen policy provides an appropriate level of cover for your business and that you understand any requirements.
• Keep a back-up copy of critical documents and business data in a secure off-site location.
• Regularly maintain your property to improve its capacity to withstand a natural disaster (for example, repairs, trimming vegetation, clearing drains).
• Consider making changes to your business buildings/property to protect against a natural disaster (for example, tiling the floor in flood prone areas).
• Include provisions for interruptions of essential services and critical infrastructure during an emergency (for example, power, water, phone, fuel) as part of your Business Continuity Plan.
• Identify an evacuation plan and route that is specific to your business property and location, record this in your Business Continuity Plan.
• Identify safe refuge locations on your business property in case it is not possible or safe for staff, business visitors or guests to evacuate.

• Identify the emergency arrangements for your area. For example, check your Community Bushfire Protection Plan for your Nearby Safer Place and Exit Routes at www.fire.tas.gov.au Note that a Nearby Safer Place should be a place of last resort, and not your only plan in an emergency.
• Plan how you will keep informed during an emergency:
  • your local accredited Visitor Information Centre receives and distributes information on potential emergency and disaster situations to tourism operators in their area – contact them for further information and to join their contact list www.startwithi.com.au
  • TasALERT is the Tasmanian Government's official emergency information source www.alert.tas.gov.au
  • program your local emergency broadcaster, ABC, into a battery operated radio to receive news updates. Find your local frequency at www.abc.net.au

• Ensure your staff, business visitors and guests are aware of emergency evacuation procedures and their roles during an evacuation, including the trigger for activating emergency plans and how this information will be communicated.
• Ensure your staff and guests know where to access official sources of information in an emergency (for example, TasALERT website and social media, radio broadcasts).
• Ensure a list of emergency and staff contact numbers is available to staff.
• Ensure you have an appropriate number of staff trained in first aid and that the contents of your first aid kit are regularly checked and stocked. Further information about first aid requirements is available from WorkSafe Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
• Prepare an emergency kit and store it in a large plastic container. Include an emergency radio (battery, solar or hand crank). See Part 3 of the Business Continuity Plan template for further information.
• If staff or guests travel in vehicles during the work day, make sure you have procedures in place for what they should do in an emergency situation.
• Make plans for what to do about booking cancellations and forwarding in an emergency.

• When a disaster that could affect your property or your guests, prepare a daily bulletin and keep it updated with information from emergency services, including maps. Keep the bulletin factual with an emphasis on following the advice of emergency services.
• Review TasALERT regularly and use this to update your daily bulletin for customers and staff.
• Make sure all staff are aware of what's happening, including those who are not currently at work. Establish your communication methods during an emergency. For example, phone, SMS or email.
• Refer customers to the following official websites for information during an emergency:
  • general emergency information, TasALERT www.alert.tas.gov.au and Facebook and Twitter
  • road conditions and closures, Tasmania Police http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
  • emergency broadcaster – ABC local radio www.abc.net.au
  • weather and warnings, Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au/tas
  • national park information and closures, Parks & Wildlife Service www.parks.tas.gov.au
• In the event of a fire, make sure your patrons know where the nearest Nearby Safer Place and Evacuation Centre is, check your Community Bushfire Protection Plan www.fire.tas.gov.au
• Make sure you can communicate if there is a power outage:
  • find out if your landline telephone uses electricity
  • charge your mobile phone.
• Identify the trigger to activate your emergency management plan. For example, an emergency warning for your area. During an emergency, follow your emergency plan.

• Check that your plan for an emergency includes instructions to turn off electricity, in the event of a storm. Avoid using landline phones in the event of a storm.
• Know how to manually override electronic access to your business or garage.
• Keep TasNetwork's 24 hour fault number 132 004 in an accessible location. Call this number if you have an electrical fault or notice sparks from power lines nearby.
• Consider alternative power supplies for your business in the event of outage. Note that portable generators should be used with extreme caution and back-up generators should not be plugged into your switchboard. See the TasNetworks website for further information on power outage safety and preparation www.tasnetworks.com.au/your-property/outages/power-outage-safety

• Assess damage and impact to your business, use the Part 3 - Reassess, recover and learn template is provided at www.business.tas.gov.au
• Once you have reopened your business, consider how you will communicate that you are open (for example, advertising, social media, emails, etc). Contact your local accredited Visitor Information Centre to let them know you are open for business. Contact all forward bookings.