With summer approaching, now is the time to think about whether your hobby farm is ready for whatever it may bring – and based on recent years in Australia we know that could be bushfires, flooding rains or both!

While it may be impossible to prevent natural catastrophes, there are steps you can take to give your property the best chance possible of withstanding whatever summer may throw at it.

Weather outlook

The latest information from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates that rainfall is likely to be above average across eastern Australia between October and December, due to the third successive La Nina phase we are currently in, but below average in WA and the west of Tasmania.

For the same period, above average maximum temperatures are forecast for Tasmania, the north of WA and northern and western coastal areas, while below average temperatures are predicted for NSW and southern Queensland.

But off the back of the recent wet summer, autumn and winter in much of Australia, fuel loads are considered high.

Key bushfire preparations

The NSW Rural Fire Service recommends property owners in bushfire prone areas take the following actions to prepare their properties for bushfire:

Trim overhanging trees and shrubs.

Mow grass and remove the cuttings.

Move garden beds away from property.

Use stones instead of mulch on garden beds.

Remove material that can burn around your property.

Position gas cylinders on side of property, away from trees and gardens, and direct any pressure valves away from property

Clear and remove debris and leaves from gutters.

Block areas where embers can enter (external walls, windows, doors, under house).

Replace wood fences with metal fences.

Install metal fly screens on all windows and vents.

Install metal gutter guards.

Repair damaged or missing tiles on roof.

Prepare sturdy hoses that will reach all around your property.

Make sure you have a reliable source of water (pool, tank, dam) and a diesel/petrol pump available.

If you have a pool, tank or dam, put a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign on your property entrance, so firefighters know where they can get water.

Install a fire sprinkler system to gutters.

Check and maintain adequate levels of insurance.

Key heavy rainfall preparations

The NSW State Emergency Service recommends property owners in flood prone areas take the following actions to prepare their properties for heavy rain:

Maintain your land and remove debris.

Trim trees and branches.

Clear gutters, downpipes and drains.

Check roofing for cracked or loose tiles, or loose sheets in the case of iron roofs.

Have a plan for moving expensive items to higher ground.

Have a plan for moving vehicles undercover in the event of hail or to higher ground in the event of flooding.

If you have animals, think about how and when you would move them to safety and provide access to food and clean water.

Create an emergency kit of non-perishable food, clean water, a battery-powered radio, a generator, fuel, torches, a first aid kit and copies of important documents (including insurance documents).

Check your insurance policy.

How Gow-Gates can help

Gow-Gates is one of Australia’s leading independent insurance brokers. Our deep industry knowledge, coupled with our insurer relationships, enables us to deliver tailored insurance and risk management solutions for your hobby farm.

For more information about hobby farm insurance please contact the Gow-Gates team via email at info@gowgates.com.au or phone us on 02 8267 9999. For more information about how to best protect your property from summer weather risks contact your local Fire Authority or State Emergency Service.