A Matter of Life and Property
Keeping your loved ones and your property safe this bushfire season is as simple as some mindful preparation. John Caruso discovers proactive steps that protect.
As the dry season sets in, the threat of bushfires looms large with the 2019 bushfire season still etched in our memories as a stark reminder of the importance of preparation and vigilance. Sunshine Coast Council and Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) are urging residents to be proactive to protect themselves, their family, and property.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Manager Coordinator Jason Membrey said taking the time to understand bushfire risk and prepare your property now could make all the difference in keeping loved ones and your home safe with RFSQ Acting Superintendent Shaune Toohey adding that bushfires can impact hinterland and coastal communities quickly so it’s crucial for residents and landholders to prepare their bushfire survival plan and properties.
So, where do you begin? If you live close to bushland, have a history of bushfires in your area, or have greenery within twenty metres of your buildings, your property is more vulnerable. The Queensland Fire Department’s (QFD) website offers a handy postcode checker to assess your home’s level of risk.
Protect Your Property
When it comes to safeguarding your home from bushfires, attention to detail is crucial. Clear gutters and roofs of debris and consider installing gutter guards for added protection and to prevent embers from entering your home. Regularly check and maintain firefighting equipment, generators, and water systems to ensure they’re in good working order. This includes testing pumps, generators, and hoses to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Enclose open areas under decks and floors, and install steel wire mesh screens on windows, doors, vents, and weep holes to also prevent embers from entering. Point LPG cylinder relief valves away from your house and seal any gaps in external roof and cladding to prevent sparks from igniting. Finally, remove flammable items like furniture, woodpiles, and hanging baskets and consider replacing them with fire-resistant alternatives.
Vegetation Management
Proper vegetation management is vital to reduce bushfire risk. Minimise foliage alongside paths and mow your lawn regularly to reduce fuel that can help fires spread. Remove excess flammable debris, such as dead leaves and branches, and trim low-lying branches to two metres from the ground to help prevent fires from jumping from tree to tree. Consider firebreaks to provide a barrier between your property and the bush; or conducting a hazard reduction burn to reduce the fuel load.
Ensure Emergency Services Access
In the event of a bushfire, easy access for fire trucks is essential. Ensure your house number is easily visible and maintain a clear path for emergency services, ideally a space at least four metres wide and high, with a turn-around area. Make sure your driveway is clear of obstacles and consider installing a fire hydrant or water tank to provide a reliable water source for firefighters.
Personal Preparation
If a bushfire is approaching, every minute counts. Have protective clothing and equipment handy, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sturdy boots, as well as face masks and eye protection. Prepare your evacuation kit and emergency kit and ensure your first aid kit is fully stocked. Review your insurance policies to ensure they’re up-to-date and create or update your Bushfire Survival Plan. Decide beforehand whether you’ll stay and defend or leave early for safety and note where your Neighbourhood Safe Place is as a last resort. Prepare your pets for evacuation, including having a carrier or lead and food and water ready.
Contingency Planning
Bushfires are unpredictable, and even the best plans can fail. Consider the ‘what ifs’: what if you’re away from home, can’t find your pets, or are trapped in your home? Having a contingency plan in place can help you adapt to unexpected situations. Identify alternative evacuation routes and consider having a backup plan for your pets. Make sure your emergency kit includes essential items, such as a battery-powered radio and a spare phone charger. Stay informed about weather conditions and fire danger ratings and be prepared to adjust your plan accordingly.
Landowner Responsibilities
As a landowner, managing bushfire hazards on your property is your legal responsibility. If a fire starts, take all reasonable steps to report it and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties. Prepare and implement a land and water management system and check local vegetation protection laws before clearing your land. Consider consulting with a fire management expert to ensure you’re meeting your obligations. If an officer identifies a potential bushfire hazard on your property, they may conduct a site inspection to discuss necessary risk reduction measures.
KEY CONTACTS
Save these helpful websites on your phone:
Sunshine Coast’s Council Disaster Hub: www.disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
QFD: www.fire.qld.gov.au
State Government: www.qld.gov.au/bushfire
