Five things to do NOW to stay fire safe. With fire restrictions being introduced earlier than previous years across the South West region, people may be forgiven for thinking they have left their run too late to prepare their properties in the event of bushfire. CFA South West Region, Manager Community Safety, James Haley said that there are many things which residents can still do to reduce the risk of life and property loss, however the time to do it is right now. “There are 5 things which everyone can do before the peak of the hot weather arrives,” challenged Mr Haley. “Firstly, remind yourself which fire weather district you are currently in, particularly when travelling. Knowing your district enables you to check whether the day is declared as a Total Fire Ban, and if the weather is forecast to be severe, extreme, or code red. Download the Fire Ready app onto your smartphone to check for your current location’s fire danger rating. The second thing is to pack an emergency kit with essential items which will make any relocation on a high fire risk day or active defence of property less stressful. Must-have items in an emergency kit include a copy of your fire plan, a torch, spare batteries, mobile phone charger, protective natural fibre clothing, non-perishable food, a USB of photos and electronic files, spare medication, and a woollen blanket,” explained Mr Haley. “Thirdly, talk to your neighbours about your plans for a high risk fire day. By communicating your plans, they will be prompted to thinking about their own plans, particularly if there are members of their household who are likely to be vulnerable during an emergency. If your properties are impacted by fire, it is better to work together rather than stay and actively defend your property alone. If your plan is to leave earlier in the day, you may be able to assist with transporting children, elderly, animals, or precious possessions to a safer location.” Any items which may easily catch fire, which are located close to your house or shedding, should be moved away at least 10 metres from the structure. Objects which are flammable during a bushfire include the winter firewood supply, garden mulch, trampolines, and outdoor settings. If these are located close to buildings, the additional radiant heat generated when they catch on fire will impact on both the structures and anyone defending the property. These items may also smoulder for some time from embers, and then start a house fire several hours later when you are not expecting it. “Finally, it is never too late to start clearing twigs and leaves from your roof, gutters, sheltered recesses and decks. This dried vegetation becomes an additional place for embers to smoulder and start a fire in the roof space, near wall vents and doorways, or underneath the house,” emphasised Mr Haley. Further information on preparing your property can be found at cfa.vic.gov.au or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240667.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:20:14 +0000
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