| You have probably heard about the devastating | | | | area between your home and the natural bushland |
| bush fires in Victoria Australian, and if you are one | | | | and vegetation. This can be done by clearing |
| of those lucky people who lives close to nature - | | | | trees, shrubbery, brush and leaves around your |
| either bushland or woodland - you're probably a | | | | home. |
| little more concerned about the bushfire threat to | | | | Remove fuel: remove or dispose of any fuel |
| your home and family, though probably the | | | | which is near the home, this includes stores of |
| biggest threat to your family and your home is | | | | firewood and flammable liquids, clearing gutters, |
| being unprepared. Too many people have perished | | | | removing and disposing of refuge. If possible |
| trying to defend their home and property fighting | | | | remove gas cylinders away from house. |
| a bushfire they were totally 'unprepared' for, in | | | | Installation of sprinklers: irrigation specifically |
| fact the best time to fight a bushfire is when | | | | designed for defending against bush fires is an |
| there is no bushfire around because ninety | | | | excellent investment |
| percent of protecting your home, property and | | | | Installation of water tanks and pumps: It's always |
| family from the dangers of bush fires is | | | | a good idea to have access to multiple sources of |
| preparation. | | | | water in the event of a bushfire. As well as mains |
| Unfortunately many people become complacent if | | | | water, having available water tanks and even a |
| they have never experienced a serious bushfire in | | | | dam both with pump access is invaluable. Also |
| their area, or it has been a long time since any | | | | have an adequate number of hoses at |
| serious bushfire has taken place close to their | | | | predetermined positions around your home, all |
| home. But obviously bush fires are random and | | | | four corners of the house. (have hoses |
| indiscriminate and they certainly have no schedule | | | | connected) |
| or agenda, despite this bush fires will thrive and | | | | Fire fighting Kit: Long sleeved shirt and trousers |
| proliferate into insatiable beasts given the perfect | | | | (cotton work wear), leather gloves, broad |
| environment. Its obvious then to survey analyze | | | | brimmed hat, goggles/safety glasses, safety boot |
| the immediate environment which you live. | | | | or sturdy footwear, woolen or cotton socks, |
| Probably the major factor in determining the risk | | | | drink bottles, buckets, water containers, portable |
| in your area is the density of fuel (wood, brush, | | | | radio and first aid kits and torch. |
| leaves) in your area. It goes without saying that if | | | | Keep up to date: stay close to the radio and heed |
| you live within a densely fueled area, your ongoing | | | | any CFA warnings and announcements |
| bushfire preparations will be far more involved and | | | | Seal wall and floor cavities: seal wall and floor |
| comprehensive than someone living in a sparsely | | | | cavities with mesh, fire resistant mesh is available |
| or lightly fueled area. | | | | at many hardware stores |
| 'If uncertain about adequate preparation | | | | Without doubt the biggest decision to be made |
| requirements, you should contact your local fire | | | | when faced with the threat of a bushfire is |
| authorities for advice'. | | | | whether to stay and ensure your property is |
| After evaluating your requirements, it's a good | | | | protected, or decide that the risk is too great to |
| idea to prepare for a Bushfire Preparation Plan. | | | | your family and evacuate. For anyone asking |
| Some activities to include in a plan: | | | | themselves this question they only have to know |
| Controlled burning: properly managed use of fire | | | | if they are prepared. Many people have let |
| can increase fire protection though always contact | | | | emotion take over when confronted with this |
| your local fire authority for permits and advice | | | | choice, chose to stay and fight despite being |
| Fuel Breaks: building a fuel break or an extended | | | | totally unprepared and paid dearly for the mistake. |
