You can never take chances with bushfires, especially if you live in areas that enjoy our wonderful flora and fauna.
The bushfires that ravaged Australia two years ago will live in the memory, and we certainly want to do our best to ensure we’re never caught up in such an inferno again.
For homeowners who live in bushland or near grassland, there are some essential precautions you should take.
And even if you believe you’re in no danger, some of the following recommendations from our rural fire services makes good sense.
As a community-minded agency, we are happy to pass on these tips from our wonderful fireys, and we share the recommendation to leave your home if asked to do so.
General bushfire preparation activities
- Block up areas where embers can enter the house
- Install metal fly screens on all windows and vents
- Install metal gutter guards
- Position gas cylinders on the side of the house and away from trees and gardens
- Direct any pressure valves away from the house.
- Remove doormats, outdoor furniture, wood and mulch piles, tins of paint and anything else flammable in your garden.
If you choose to remain in your home, or you have no alternative but to stay, do the following:
Approximately an hour before bushfire approaches
- Close doors, windows and vents.
- Fill baths, sinks, buckets and bins with water.
- Confine pets in one room.
- Place a ladder next to the roof access hole so you can check for spot fires.
- Soak towels and rugs and lay them across external doorways.
- Move furniture away from windows.
During a bushfire as the fire is upon you
- If flames are on top of your location or the heat becomes unbearable, move inside until the fire front has passed (usually 5-10 minutes).
- Patrol the inside of the house, including roof space, looking for sparks and embers.
- Shelter in a room on the opposite side of the house from the approaching fire and ensure you have clear access to an exit.
Immediately after the fire has passed
- Check the house inside and outside for fires, including within roof cavity, under the house, deck, stairs, window sills etc.
- If possible, and safe to do so, check all your neighbours are OK.
- Contact relatives or friends to tell them you are safe.
- Patrol your home for several hours, looking for small fires and burning embers. It is common for burning materials to blow and land in flammable spots. Many properties burn down after the firefront has passed through embers creating spot fires under a house or on a verandah.