GET READY CHALLENGE WEEK 2
WEEK 2 STEP 2: PREPARE
PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE BUSHFIRE SEASON: whether you are leaving early or staying and defending
Don’t risk your life to last minute preparations
Watch this video below:
THE TOP 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE YOUR HOME
There are some simple things you can do around your home to prepare it for a bush fire whether you are leaving early or staying and defending. You need to prepare well beforehand as leaving it to the last minute is too late. Here are five simple things you can do this week to get ready for the Bush Fire Season.
1. TRIM overhanging trees and shrubs. This can stop the fire spreading to your home
2. MOW grass and remove the cuttings. Have a cleared area around your home.
3. REMOVE material that can burn around your home (e.g. Wood piles, mulch, leaves, paint). In the last day before a fire impacts or you leave your property, bring the door mats inside and move your outdoor furniture away from the house.
4. CLEAR and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home regularly. Burning embers can set your home on fire.
5. PREPARE a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home. Make sure you’ve got a reliable source of water.
For more information pick one of these useful links go to:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/prepare-your-property
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/31324/Pullout-Bulletin-dsided-PAS-2015.pdf
A well prepared house with the equipment you will need
Want to do more?.
Embers can travel many kilometres ahead of a fire, so even if you are not directly threatened by a bush fire, you may be impacted by embers. Preparing your home can reduce the risk of embers starting spot fires around your home. For tips on what you can do to prepare your home further, download our fact sheet:
Please enquire at the brigade if you would like a property inspection and some advice on how well you are going.
DECIDED TO STAY? - BE PREPARED
Defending your home from a bush fire can be challenging and you will need the right equipment. Check off all the equipment you will need in a bush fire emergency. Remember, while firefighters and emergency services will do everything they can to help you, there’s no guarantee that there will be a fire truck available when you need it. If you decide to stay with your property, it’s your responsibility to be prepared. Even if you decide that you will go, you might want to do this preparation to give yourselves and you property the best chance of survival and in case your early departure is blocked.
CLICK ON THE LINK TO PRINT OFF THE CHECKLISTS BELOW AND WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH THEM IF YOU ARE GOING TO STAY AND DEFEND:
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED:
A hose, or hoses, that can reach all around the house
Water supply of at least 10,000L e.g. water tank, dam, pool
Petrol/diesel water pump and fuel in a safe, accessible place
Ladders to access inside the roof
Buckets and mops
Shovels and metal rakes
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING YOU WILL NEED:
Wide-brimmed hat
Eye protection goggles
Moistened facemask or cloth
Loose, long sleeved cotton shirt
Gloves
Long cotton pants/jeans
Sturdy leather shoes or boots
Put all the clothing you might need in a special bag or container so you will have them to hand when needed.
For more information about preparing yourself and your family https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/prepare-your-family
MORE PERMANENT PROTECTION FOR YOUR HOME
Install metal fly screens on all windows and vents
Install metal gutter guards
Position gas cylinders on side of house and away from trees and gardens
Direct any pressure valves away from house
Move garden beds away from house
Replace wood fences with metal fences
Use stones instead of mulch
Fix any loose roof tiles and cover any gaps under your house or veranda
For more information for protecting your home: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/prepare-your-property
PREPARE YOUR RURAL PROPERTY
Remove overhanging branches from power lines
Ensure that a fire tanker can access your property
Clear fire breaks along paddock boundaries
Store petrol, diesel and gas away from home
Keep a well-maintained area around the home and sheds
Place water pipes from dams underground and install pump to the house
Make sure hoses have spray nozzles
Keep water tanks full and connect them to pumps
For more information on preparing your property: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/farm-fire-safety
Some other useful information:
› AIDER PROGRAM – help with preparation for disabled or elderly residents from the RFS. http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/aider
› 10/50 ruling – clearance of trees up to 10m from homes or significant infrastructure http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/1050-vegetation-clearing
› For risk reduction from neighbouring properties lodge a Bushfire Hazard Complaint through Mittagong/Picton Fire Control Centres https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/know-your-risk/Bush-fire-hazards-and-your-property
/reporting-a-bush-fire-hazard
To contact the Burrawang brigade:
› Ring: Elizabeth Ellis, Community Engagement Officer 0411032712
› Email: brfb@bigpond.com
› Or drop in to the Burrawang Rural Fire Station, 2 Hoddle St, Burrawang on Wednesday night after 7 pm.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW for an example of preparation of a local home, Jan 2020.