Bushfires: How to prepare your home

06 February 2009 | 11:58:30 AM | Source: NSW Rural Fire Service

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Losing a home to a bushfire can be a heartbreaking experience. (AAP)

Emergency services in south-eastern states are on high alert for bushfires. The NSW Rural Fire Service provides tips for preparing and protecting your home if you live in a fire-prone area.

Most people who perish in bushfires die because they have left the decision to evacuate too late. The Rural Fire Services says the decision on whether to relocate, evacuate or stay and defend your property should be made well before the bushfire danger period begins.

This decision depends on the needs and capabilities of your family members, as staying to defend a property is physically and psychologically demanding.

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The Rural Fire Service says the decision to leave must be made early – well before the fire front approaches.

The NSW RFS enquiry line is 1800 679 737


Defending your property

A well prepared property is more likely to survive a bushfire if able-bodied people are there to put out spotfires before, during and after the fire front passes, the Rural Fire Service says.


Preparations before the fire season (Oct – March):

-Clear dead branches and leaves from your garden, gutters and around your house

-Prune tree limbs less than 2m from the ground or overhanging your home

-Cut long grass within 20 m of your home

-Remove bark, heavy mulch, wood piles and other flammable materials from near your home

-Fit a gate valve to water tanks: a 38mm storz coupling will assist the RFS

-Consider installing a sprinkler system on your roof and/or garden

-Use heavy-duty hoses with wide nozzles, make sure they are long enough to reach all sides of your house

-Prepare a bushfire survival kits including drinking water, woollen blankets, extinguishers, first-aid kit, respirator mask, torch, radio, batteries, goggles, gloves



Before the fire danger approaches:

-Gather buckets, mops, ladders, hoses, extinguishers, fire blankets, shovel, powered water pump, bushfire kit and personal protective equipment in one place for ready access

-Fill reserve water supplies such as tanks and swimming pools, as mains water is in high demand during a fire

-Wear appropriate clothing to reduce your exposure to fire, smoke and radiation heat – natural fabrics that cover as much of your body as possible and a smoke mask or wet cloth

-Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

-Prepare livestock and pets

Before the fire-front approaches

-Block drain pipes and fill gutters with water, remove outdoor furniture

-Sprinkle or spray vegetation near the house

-Patrol property for spot fires and extinguish them

-Stay close to the house, drink plenty of water

-Prepare inside house, close doors and windows, remove curtains, move furniture away from windows

-Soak towels and place under external doors

-Stay calm and report fires to triple zero


As the fire front arrives:

-Stay inside the house

-Try to extinguish any fires, including in the roof space

-Ensure you can exit the house should it catch alight

-Monitor the fire but keep away from windows

-Drink water, monitor welfare of others in the house

After the fire has passed

-Patrol property inside and out to extinguish spot fires
 

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