Bush fire Survival
Bushfires- Are you prepared
Despite winter still having at least one month to go already we have begun to see Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) begin to conduct hazard reduction exercises in some states. In New South Wales alone yesterday recorded the hottest winter day on record and predications are that the long bushfire season could begin early this year, so how ready are you to survive the bushfire season should your property be surrounded by bush or even long grass.
Even though it is impossible for us to control everything around us, being prepared can go a long way to saving your property should fire strike. Minimising the threat to your property can be the difference between saving your home and family or watching everything go up in smoke.
Prepare Early
Whilst it is easy to be complacent when it comes to preparation for a bushfire be mindful that a bushfire can strike at any time and travel quickly so putting things off for another day is not an option. Simple preparation beforehand, do you leave or do you stay and if you stay how do you stay safe, so below are a number of issues you need to be aware of so you can help protect you and your family from the treat of a bushfire.
- If your home is surrounded by trees there is a good chance your gutters are full of leaves and debris so clearing these regularly is a must
- Ensure your hoses are in good order and can reach the length of the house
- Do not leave any broken tiles on your roof but replace them immediately
- Ensure your lawn and garden areas are maintained
- Gutter guards should be installed
- Clear any debris from fallen trees away from your home
- Do not stack up wood piles close to your house
- Seal all windows and doors
- Should you have rain tanks or swimming pools post a Static Water Supply sign for firefighters to see
- Ensure you have the appropriate home and contents insurance policy
- Have a Fire Evacuation Plan
Preparing for a bushfire is easy and your states bushfire service lists four easy steps to ensure you are safe in the event of a bushfire
1. DISCUSS
what to do if a bush fire threatens your home.
2. PREPARE
your home and get it ready for bush fire season.
3. KNOW
the bush fire alert levels.
4. KEEP
all the bush fire information numbers, websites, and the smart phone app.
LEAVING EARLY OR PREPARING TO STAY?
One of the most important things to do before a bush fire is to decide what you’ll do if one should start. Before you start, ask your household the following questions
- Is your home well prepared to make it as safe as possible during a fire?
- Are we putting anyone in our family at risk by staying?
- Will we cope in an emergency situation? In a fire, it will be hot, smoky and physically draining. Even trained firefighters can find it challenging.
If you’re not sure or aren’t prepared, you should leave early. By contacting a qualified building inspection company, you will be given a comprehensive guide to ensure your bushfire preparations are up to date and effective, plus understand how to better maintain your property in the future. A professional building inspector is qualified to guide you through the process should you live in an area surrounded by bush and should be contacted immediately.