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Fire Safety
Each year thousands of fires impact on man-made structures, bushland and rural properties in Western Australia.
Bush Fires
The threat of severe bushfires occurs in Western Australia every year. You can reduce the impact of bushfires on property and people by careful planning. Make sure you and your property are prepared for bushfires.
FIRE FACTS- Burning embers can enter your house through open vents, broken windows or roof spaces – these small sparks can easily ignite a fire.
- The majority of houses destroyed by bushfires burn down after the fire front has passed.
- During a major bushfire there may not be enough fire appliances available to protect every home – so a great deal of responsibility rests with home owners to protect their house and family.
HAVE A PLAN ...- Decide whether you will stay with your property, or go to a safer location.
- If you decide not to stay, leave early – know where you will go and whether you can get there safely.
- Prepare a list of things to do if a bushfire approaches.
- Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and numbers of neighbours’ homes.
- Check that all family members are aware of their role in your family bushfire emergency plan.
PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY- Maintain a circle of safety, at least 20 metres wide, around your home by clearing away trees, dead leaves, twigs and branches – also cut long grass and undergrowth in this area.
- Don’t store flammable liquids, firewood or other flammable material close to, or underneath the house.
- Close in eaves and the space under your house.
- Fit bronze flywire screens or shutters to your windows and doors.
- Maintain gutters and the roof clear of leaves.
- Ensure that hoses reach all corners of the home.
- Consider buying a petrol or diesel powered pump and arrange to have an alternative firefighting water supply (eg tank, pool, dam).
- Comply with the local government fire break notices.
- Don’t burn off or light a barbecue on Very High or Extreme Fire Danger days, and check with your local council to find out about fire restrictions.
PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILYMake sure you have ... - woollen blankets
- buckets, mop, knapsack, ladder, rake
- torch, battery-powered radio
- a safe storage box for valuables and important documents
- protective clothing such as cotton or woollen trousers, long-sleeved shirt or jumper, sturdy shoes/boots, hard hat or wide-brimmed hat, goggles and gloves.
FACING A BUSHFIRE – STAY OR LEAVE HOME?Don’t leave the decision to relocate until the fire is so close that you cannot get out safely!
If there is a bushfire in your area, you must make an early decision on whether you will stay with the house or relocate.
Staying with your own or a neighbour’s home could also be safer than trying to get away on roads blocked by fire and smoke.
You may prefer to stay if ... - you are confident your home is well prepared
- you have sufficient emergency water supplies
- you think you and your family can deal with the stress and tension of battling the fire.
You may prefer to go if you ... - aren’t confident about the fire safety of your house
- are worried about young children, elderly people or someone who is sick
- think you could not cope with the stress of fighting the fire
- know it is safe to leave, have a safe destination in mind and know it is safe to get there.
- If a bushfire approaches ...
- dress in protective clothing and close all windows and doors
- block downpipes and fill gutters with water, also fill buckets, basins, baths and sinks as a back-up supply
- extinguish small spot fires around your house and check for spot fires under the house and in the roof space
- when it becomes too dangerous outside, shelter inside and take hoses and fittings with you.
Documents
Information provided by the Fire and Emergency Services (FESA) of Western Australia. |
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