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The effects of bushfires can be devastating. You may feel overwhelmed, anxious and emotional, all of which is perfectly normal under the circumstances.
Even if the bushfire has already passed through your area, the overriding principle of safety first remains. Take care of yourself and those around you. And take the time to consider and plan your next steps.
You’ll need to take immediate action on some things. There will also be long-term effects and further challenges but you can consider these beforehand and plan for them. Remember that recovery is a process and that this will take time.
If you’ve just experienced a bushfire, you’ll already understand the importance of listening to the authorities during this time of crisis. In Western Australia, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is an authority on recovering from a bushfire. In case of a bushfire, be sure to follow their instructions.
Straight after a bushfire – immediate recovery
If you’re stuck and don’t know what to do, the best starting point is the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 865.
Emergency accommodation
This is run by the Department of Communities. They provide temporary shelter for people who don’t have anywhere to stay after they’ve been evacuated because of a bushfire. Call the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.
Health, wellbeing and personal support
The Department of Communities also coordinates emergency relief and support services to help communities recover after emergencies such as bushfires.
They can provide personal support services including practical help, support to access identity documents, counselling and referrals to other services.
To find out more, contact the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.
You can also contact Crisis Care, Lifeline and The Samaritans.
Financial help
Call the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965 to find out what financial help you may be eligible for. Sometimes new or existing Centrelink customers can get crisis payments after a bushfire.
Long-term recovery
The Department of Communities organises long-term help, as well as emergency accommodation. This is all part of their emergency response and recovery.
If you’re rebuilding, DFES has information on bushfire prone areas and planning and building requirements. There’s also other government information on planning in bushfire prone areas.
Returning home
Safety first
Listen to authorities, follow any official guidance and only return home when you’ve received official word that it’s safe.
Food and water
It’s best to throw out any food that has been near a fire, including food in cans and jars that may seem okay. If the power has been off, food from the fridge and freezer may be contaminated and unsafe. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wash plates, pots and cooking utensils with hot soapy water.
If you have water from tanks at your home, that water may be contaminated from debris or ash. Boil water before drinking or cooking.
Potential hazards
Unfortunately, your home may not be safe so you’ll need to be careful.
Hazards may include damaged buildings, asbestos, chemicals, ash and smoke, leaking gas, sewage, smouldering trees, burnt ground, and fallen trees and powerlines.
Utilities like water, electricity and gas may also prove hazardous. You may need to call your service providers.
Follow the recommendations outlined by DFES.
The Australian Red Cross also has useful information on returning home.
Your insurance
This information is for members who have RAC Home and Contents Insurance policies.
Understanding your coverage
Your home insurance policy covers you for loss or damage caused by a bushfire. If you have a building or contents policy with us, you’ll be covered up to your amount insured.
We'll always try to help as soon as we can. Whether you claim online or over the phone, we’ll take you through the process step by step and let you know what will happen next. We may send out an assessor, then send out builders and repairers to assess damage or take care of your claim another way. Our response will depend on the type of damage and severity and how we can best help.
Please note that we won’t cover loss, damage or liability caused by flood, storm or bushfire within the first 48 hours after the initial commencement of your policy or to the extent that you have increased your existing insurance cover, unless this policy or increase commenced:
When you first took possession of your building.
When your lease for your building commenced.
Immediately after another policy covering the same risk expired.
If your property is totally destroyed
If a bushfire has caused a total loss of your property, you’ve been through a traumatic experience and we hope you’re okay. It’s important to work out the type of insurance you have and what you’re covered for.
If you’re an owner-occupier with our home and contents insurance, we provide the following additional benefits:
The cost of comparable, temporary accommodation for you and your pets for up to 12 months (if we deem your property uninhabitable while your building is being repaired or rebuilt).
Demolition and debris removal up to 10% of your building sum insured.
Building and compliance fees and costs up to 10% of your building sum insured.
Your damaged belongings
We need evidence to support your claim, so we recommend you take photos and document the damage to your property. If you can, hold on to any items that have been damaged and are part of your claim. We may need to assess these separately.
How to make a claim
You can claim online, over the phone or in person. Call us on 13 17 03 to speak to one of our staff and claim online.
If you claim online, you can claim at any time and avoid wait times. Our staff will still call you if needed. To claim, simply select ‘Building and contents insurance’ as your policy type, select ‘Claim online now’ and fill in the form step by step.
There may be delays if the bushfire has affected multiple homes, but our local team is on the ground ready to help you with your claim as soon as possible.
Additional resources
DFES Recovering from a bushfire
Disclaimer
This product is issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. Our products are developed and distributed for appropriate target markets in accordance with our Policy. Benefits are subject to policy conditions and Premium, Excess and Discount Guide (PEDG). Before you make a decision, please check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determinations (TMD) to see if the policy is right for you.
