NOVEMBER 2017

Bushfires occur naturally in Australia. Surviving a bushfire without leaving your property behind  is possible if you are prepared. However, many Australians still fail to do the necessary preparations… Where you live can greatly determine your survival rate. The areas that are at great risks for bush fires are:

  • Grasslands
  • Bushlands
  • Hill Tops
  • Paddocks
  • Coastal

According to the Bushfire Survival Plan, 90% of homes lost due to bushfires are because of burning embers. Embers can travel many kilometers from its origin.

 Here are some quick guidelines on how you can survive a bushfire….

Prepare

There is no point is trying to survive a bushfire without clearing your home from flammable materials like branches, grass, wood piles, paint, dried leaves on gutters among others. Your house should also have the necessary protection from flying embers. Install metal fly screens on windows and vents and gutter guards. Put any pressure valves away from your house.

Ensure that your garden hose is long enough to circle around your property. Keep water tanks full and connect them to pumps.

Know the Different Bush Fire Alert Levels

Knowing the different bushfire alert level can help you keep track of the alert level and know what you should do. You can find the different bushfire alert level in NSW Rural Fire Service.

  • ADVICE. A fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
  • WATCH and ACT. There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
  • EMERGENCY WARNING. An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bush Fire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

Decision

Decide only to stay when you are completely prepared. Below are the list of things to check to determine if you have a chance to ward off bushfires or not.

  • Firefighting Knapsack
  • Hose long enough to cover your entire property
  • Water supply at least 10,000L
  • Petrol/Diesel water pump
  • Ladders long enough to access the roof
  • Buckets and mops
  • Shovels and rakes
  • Protective clothing

 

Fire Fighting Units  –  Equipped to Defend!