BUSHFIRE
READINESS CHECK LIST
Is Your Property Prepared Against Bush
Fire and Grass Fires?
-
Ground fuels cleared around the house (long, dry grass,
dead leaves and branches, thick undergrowth ).
-
Gutters cleared.
-
Roofing firmly fixed (cleaned of dry leaf debris).
-
Firebreaks prepared, (a well watered lawn can act as
a firebreak).
-
Screens or shutters installed and undenfloor areas enclosed,
if possible.
-
Vents into roof space screened with fine wire mesh
-
Flammable items removed from around the house, (eg.
woodpile, and obvious flammable materials such as paper, boxes, crates,
hanging baskets, wooden garden furniture etc).
-
LPG gas tanks vented away from house. Emergency 000
telephone number placed near the phone.
Do you have sufficient Water Supplies and Fire Fighting
Equipment?
-
Hoses long enough to reach all sides of house, attached
to taps.
-
Heavy duty hoses with wide-spray nozzles, if possible.
-
Reserve water supplies from tank, dam, or swimming pool,
if possible, since mains water will be in high demand. Try to store water
during winter months.
-
Gate valve fitted to water tank. (a 38mm Storz coupling
will assist the Rural Fire Brigade).
-
Have gate valve to fit portable pump as well
-
Regularly check petrol or diesel portable pump, if you
have one, to ensure it starts easily.
-
Install a sprinkler sysem in your garden and on roofing,
if affordable.
-
Gather buckets (preferably metal), mops, spray backpack
units, ladders rakes and shovels in one place for ready access during a
fire.
-
Battery operated radio and torches in case of electricity
failure.
Personal Protection
Plan for the safety of all family members: special
plans need to be made for young children, elderly persons, disabled persons
and those unable to handle the trauma of bush fire.
If you intend to evacuate any members of the family,
plan well ahead of time where to stay, how to make the decision to leave,
and how to travel (remember, leave well before the fire front arrives)
For those who remain, ensure each has suitable clothing,
including sturdy leather footwear, long pants and long sleeved shirt or
jumper,( wool offers the best protection from sparks and cinders), a broad
brimmed hat, goggles for eye protection, handkerchiefs to tie over nose
and mouth, wet towels to drape over neck, and bottles for water.
It ordered by the police
to evacuate you must comply
What to do when fire approaches
-
Listen to the radio for news of
the fire's progress,rather than calling emergency services for information.
-
Dress in protective clothing,
drink water frequently.
-
Wet-down roof house and garden,
especially on the side of the approaching fire. Turn on sprinkler system,
if you have one.
-
Stop downpipes and fill gutters
with water.
-
As the fire approaches, go inside
and remain inside until the fire has passed.
-
Fill baths, sinks and buckets
with water.
-
Place wet towels and blankets
against gaps under doors and windows.
-
Close heavy curtains, close shutters,
if you have them.
-
After the fire has passsed and
for several hours after the fire front has passed, patrol your property
and put out spot fires started by flying embers.
-
Check roof cavity frequently for
spot fires.
|