Bushfire Safety Tips

Bushfires are frequent in Australia with several hundred of various sizes per year. A report published by Emergency Management Australia in 2004 indicated that there were 20 bushfires between 2000 and 2003 in which 2,958 houses were damaged and 830 homes destroyed.

If bushfire threatens your home here are some precautionary steps as recommended by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.
 

1. Preparing your home

• Regularly clean leaves from gutters and fit quality metal leaf guards. Screen vents on roof voids with fine metal wire mesh.
• Keep woodpiles and other flammable materials well away from the house and covered.
• Keep your lawn short and the backyard tidy, free from any build up of flammable material.
• Consider purchasing a portable pump to use from your swimming pool or water tank.

2. In case of evacuation

• Turn off gas and power.
• Close all doors and windows and block gaps with wet towels or blankets.
• Move flammable curtains and furniture away from windows.
• Notify a neighbour, friend or the local authorities of your new address.

3. Survival kit: should include the following items:

• A portable battery radio, torch and spare batteries; water containers, dried or canned food and a can opener;
• Matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, eating utensils; and
• A first aid kit and manual, masking tape for windows and waterproof bags.

4. During the fire

• Wear protective clothing such as enclosed shoes, wool or cotton full-length clothing for protection, a hat and gloves. Close all windows and doors.
• Have eye and breathing protection.
• Ensure all family members and pets consume enough water to prevent dehydration.
• Ensure that someone has notified the fire brigade by ringing 000.
• Do not under any circumstances leave the house while the flame front moves through.

5. After the fire

• You can go outside and extinguish any spot fires in gutters etc.
• Beware of any electric power lines that may have dropped on the ground.
• If you cannot extinguish the fire move all family members to a burnt out area.
• If you have to leave your home because the fire has left it unsafe, protect the fire site from any further damage by weather, theft or vandalism. Do not leave the site unsecured.