BUSHFIRE
PREPAREDNESS - Your Family and Pets
Ensure that your properly is well prepared.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has several publications which will advise you
about preparing and protecting your home. These publications are available
free to the public upon request.
Consider the specific needs of your family. If your
family group includes elderly relatives, young children, those with disabilities
or illnesses which would place them at risk during a bush fire, consider
evacuating those family members well before the fire front approaches.
Organise a safe and suitable place for them to go
to. Arrange for transport to that location. These measures should be properly
planned in advance. If you have pets in your keeping, special provisions
should be made for their safety.
DOGS
It is imperative that your dog is wearing a collar
with an l.D. disc attached. The disc should be engraved with the name of
the dog, your surname and telephone number.
When a bush fire is in your area, dogs should be
kept inside the house. Never evacuate yourself and leave your animals to
fend for themselves. Notwithstanding the threat of bush fire, you may be
prosecuted by the R.S.P.C.A.
If you are directed to evacuate by the police you
will be permitted to take your animal with you to the designated place
of safety. Your pets will then be collected from you by the R.S.RC.A and
cared for until the danger has passed.
If your house is burnt out the R.S.P.C.A. will care
for your animals until you have relocated.
CATS
Owners of cats should have a wire basket labelled
with the cats name and description, (colour, sex, etc.), plus owners name,
address and telephone number.
Cat carry baskets, (which are also suitable for rabbits,
guinea pigs, etc), are available from pet shops, veterinary clinics
and the R.S.P.C.A.
BIRDS
Cages should be labelled in a similar way to cat
carry baskets. Ensure that you have provided drinking water and have sufficient
food for your pet. The effects of bush fires on both people and pets can
be terrifying and traumatic.
To minimise the risks to your family and pets make
arrangements for their safety at the start of the Bush Fire Danger Season
each year.
LIVESTOCK
Loss of farm animals can most easily be prevented
by preparing and maintaining fuel-reduced areas onto which stock can be
moved and held during fires. This means planning to use fallow paddocks,
well grazed smaller paddocks or raceways, irrigated pasture or summer crop
areas.
Stock yards and holding paddocks must be eaten out
and, where possible, have shade and water available to provide emergency
protection areas for valuable stud or breeding stock.