Bush Fire Safety

Do you live in a bush-fire prone area?  According to Government research, we have the highest bush fire risk of anywhere in the world. Whilst this means you need to be prepared for the worst, there are simple, practical ways to reduce the risk of disaster such as preparing your property & developing a bush fire survival plan.








How do I survive a bush fire?
♦   Prepare a Bush Fire Plan.  This should include how you will deal with fire threats and a back-up plan in case things go wrong.
♦  Decide whether you are going to Leave Early or Stay and Defend your home well before a bush fire arrives.
♦  Understand Fire Danger Ratings.
♦  Leave early on days with a Catastrophic Rating if your home is in a bush fire risk area. 
♦  On days with an Extreme Rating, it is not safe to stay unless your home has been built to withstand a bush fire and you are well prepared.
♦  Leave early if you are not well prepared and/or physically fit.

 

How do I prepare my property?                               
♦   Cut back overhanging trees and bushes.
♦  Replace any damaged or missing roof tiles and seal holes and gaps in external
walls so embers can't get into the house.
♦  Clean gutters and downpipes of leaves and other combustible materials.
♦  Store any flammable or combustible materials away from the house. 
♦  Make sure you have hoses that reach all parts of the house.
Important: in some Australian States, you can be ordered to leave your property during extreme threats.  In these situations, you must follow the instructions of emergency services.

 

What should I do if I there's a bush fire approaching?
If you plan to Leave Early:
♦ Listen to media reports regarding the bush fire threat.
♦ Advise family and/or friends of your intentions.
♦ Keep a charged mobile phone with you at all times.
♦ Secure pets and other animals or take them with you.
♦ Prepare the car with essential items including your Evacuation Kit, fuel and water bottles.
♦ Leave before the fire threat arrives.
If you plan to Stay and Defend:
♦ Remove all combustible material away from your home.
♦  Block downpipes and fill gutters with water.
♦  Turn off gas.
♦  Tape windows to prevent breakage from radiant heat.
♦  Close all doors, windows, blinds and vents to prevent embers from entering the house.
♦  Fill baths, sinks and other containers with water in case embers enter the house and start spot fires.
♦  Seal window and door edges with wet towels.
♦  Make sure you can gain access to the roof space.
♦  Drink plenty of water and cover exposed skin. I.e. non synthetic clothes, face mask, goggles and gloves.
♦  Patrol the outside of the house before the fire front arrives and wet down combustible surfaces.
♦  Take refuge inside the house as the fire front passes.
♦  After the fire front has passed, check your property (inside and out) for spot fires and embers.




 
























More information?  Call your local fire brigade.