Essential Tips For MIA Residents As The Bushfire Danger Period Looms

With the bushfire danger period commencing on Tuesday, October 1, it is time to prepare your property for the fire season.

As the hot, dry weather of summer approaches across the MIA, it is crucial for both rural and town residents to take immediate action to prepare their properties against the increasing risk of bushfires and grass fires.

Fires can start and spread quickly, but with proper preparation, you can help protect your crops, homes and livelihoods from potential devastation.

There are a number of key steps you can take to prepare your property.

Construct and maintain fire breaks.

one of the most effective measures in preventing fires from entering or escaping your land.

Cleared areas, free from vegetation, act as barriers to slow or stop the spread of fire.

The width of your fire breaks should be based on the density of your crops or pastures - the more fuel available for the fire, the wider the fire break needs to be.

Sacrificing a small portion of your crop land to create a fire break is far better than risking the loss of your entire crop or farm.

A well-constructed fire break can prevent catastrophic damage.

Prepare your home, even in town.

Don’t assume you are immune to fire risk just because you live in town.

Ember attacks from bushfires or grass fires can cause spot fires in urban areas, threatening homes that aren’t properly prepared.

Well-kept homes are safer homes - a green, well maintained yard with trimmed trees and bushes can significantly reduce the chances of fire spreading to your home.

Ensure that gardens, including flower beds and shrubs, are well-watered and free of dry debris.

Well-prepared homes are not only safer but also easier to protect during a fire event.

Consider insurance.

Taking the time to prepare your property can have financial benefits when dealing with insurance claims after a fire.

Insurance companies may take the state of your property into account when processing claims, and a well-prepared home may help your case.

Properly maintained homes and properties could result in more favourable outcomes when making claims.

Remove combustible materials.

It’s important to remove any combustible materials from around the house to reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home.

Firewood piles, outdoor furniture and even potted plants on patios should be relocated to reduce fire hazards.

Embers can ignite these materials and spread fire to the home.

Keep firefighting equipment handy.

Make sure all your fire fighting equipment is in good working condition in case you need to stay and defend your property.

Ensure fire fighting pumps are operational, hoses are in good condition, and you have adequate water supplies.

Power may be cut during a fire, so make sure generators are fuelled and ready to use.

Prepare appropriate protective clothing, including long-sleeved cotton shirts, jeans or long pants, work boots, and wool or cotton socks.

Avoid synthetic materials, as they can melt and cause serious burns if exposed to fire.

Preparing your property before the onset of summer is not just about protecting your home and crops; it’s about ensuring the safety of your family and community.

Take the necessary steps now to safeguard against fire risks and reduce potential damage, both physical and financial, from fires.

By following these simple but effective tips, you can be better prepared for the fire season and protect what matters most.

• Topics:

• Bushfires
• Living and Lifestyle