"As soon as it was safe to do so, we had our network of assessors on the ground, visiting customers, immediately assessing our customers losses, and ensuring they had access to temporary accommodation and emergency financial assistance."rn
The RACV Response Vehicle was deployed on 11 January and has since visited multiple impacted locations, supporting more than 150 customers. It is remains onsite in Harcourt, with a second vehicle deployed to Alexandra assisting all IAG customers.
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Mr Linsday urged communities to remain alert as fire conditions continue to threaten communities across Victoria and South Australia.
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"As bushfire conditions remain extreme in southern Australia, particularly in Victoria and South Australia, it's imperative that people heed the advice of local authorities and emergency services.
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"Have a survival plan and talk it through with your family. Check on your neighbours, have an emergency kit packed and ready to go, and most importantly, know when to evacuate."
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How to prepare your property for a bushfire:
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- In the event of any potential bushfire, we urge people to take the advice of the emergency authorities - listen to updates from your local fire service and take advice on when you should evacuate your home.
- In Victoria, stay up to date with the VicEmergency App. In NSW, the Hazards Near Me NSW App or Fires Near Me App[JA1] [SL2] .
- Prepare your home - make sure you're clearing your gutters regularly, pruning trees and shrubs around the walls of houses, and fitting seals around doors and windows to eliminate gaps.
- Keep an eye out for your neighbours, particularly if they're elderly or need extra support in an emergency.
- If you have pets or livestock, make sure you factor them into your bushfire survival plan.
- Create an emergency kit - this could include items such as a fire blanket and fire extinguisher, first aid kit, portable battery-operated radio, waterproof torch, spare batteries and emergency contact numbers. Prepare cash, ATM cards, credit cards, medications, toiletries and sanitary supplies, special requirements for infants, elderly, injured and disabled, and a mobile phone and charger.
- Check your insurance cover at least once a year to make sure you have the right level of cover - this includes adding any renovations or extensions you've made to your home insurance and listing any new and potentially expensive items under your contents insurance.
- Do a bushfire home self-assessment: Complete Resilient Building Council's online home assessment to get a resilience rating and find out how to make your home more resilient.
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