Pharmacy Daily | Not too late to prepare for bushfires

PHARMACISTS operating in rural and regional parts of Australia are being urged to create and implement bushfire emergency plans, by Guild Insurance.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia subsidiary has released advice for those impacted by the ongoing bushfire crisis, noting the claims were "being handled as quickly as possible", and warning of the need to remain vigilant with the fire season expected to last at least two more months.

"In the wake of the devastating bushfires spreading across the country, it's vital for rural and regional businesses to ensure they're properly prepared," Guild Insurance said in a message to pharmacy owners.

"If your business hasn't been affected, it's not too late to create and implement your bushfire emergency plan.

"All businesses need to be realistic about what can happen and be proactive in putting risk management strategies in place."

For businesses affected by the crisis that are seeking to claim against business interruption policies, the company said they should "gather information on income for the three weeks prior to loss, and provide confirmation of days/hours loss of trade and normal trading days/hours".

In the case of property damage, pharmacy owners have been advised to contact Guild Insurance as soon as possible, and to keep records of any emergency repair expenses incurred, take photos of the damage, prepare a detailed inventory of damaged losses including personal property and alert the insurer, their local council and workplace health and safety, to any concerns over potentially hazardous substances such as asbestos, which may have been disturbed.

"Guild Insurance understands this is an extremely difficult time for you and we are committed to continue to provide you with exceptional customer service. Guild Insurance Claims are available 24 hours a day to be of assistance," the company said.