Bushfire safety tips

One of the great things about Australia is our native bushland. But living near the bush can also expose you to threat of bushfires – particularly in the warmer months.

Did you know?
Up to 50% of bushfires in Australia are deliberately lit or start in suspicious circumstances.
Source: Australian Government Bushfire Arson Prevention.

Here are some tips to help you keep your family, your home and your business safe this bushfire season.

Preparing for a bushfire:

• Assemble an emergency kit that includes things like first aid supplies, torch, battery operated portable radio, important documents and medicines.
• Regularly clear gutters and rubbish from around the property.
• Ensure everyone knows where the fire extinguishers are in your house or business, and how to use them.
• Ensure everyone knows how to turn off mains supply for water, power and gas.
• Make sure the property has clear access for emergency services.
• Have an evacuation plan and discuss it with your family and/or employees.
• Ensure your vehicle is in good working order.
• If you receive a warning for your area, charge your mobile battery and fill up the car if possible.
  

At the onset of a bushfire:

• First and foremost, the safety of you, your loved ones and employees should come first. For any emergencies, please call 000.
• Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice.
• Follow emergency services’ advice; evacuate when directed to do so, as soon as you are told.
• If you have to leave a car behind, put it in a locked garage or avoid parking it on surfaces such as grass which can more easily catch on fire.

Only if it is safe to do so:

• Block the gutters and fill them with water.
• Remove flammable drapes, curtains and any other combustible materials.
• Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so that doors can still be opened by hand if the power goes out. Close all garage doors.

After a bushfire

• If you have evacuated, don’t return to your property or vehicle until emergency services advise it’s safe to do so.
• For several hours after the fire, maintain a ‘fire watch’ by rechecking for smoke and sparks throughout the building.
• Use caution when entering burnt out areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots which can flare up without warning.
• If you have a safe, don’t open it as it can hold intense heat for several hours.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Don’t drink or use water you think may have been contaminated.

Need to make a claim?

Head to: http://www.resilium.com.au/make-claim for information on how to make a claim after a natural disaster.

Useful links

• http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/bushfire.html
• ACT: www.esa.act.gov.au/actfr
• NSW Metro: www.fire.nsw.gov.au
• NSW Rural: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
• VIC Metro: www.mfb.vic.gov.au
• VIC Rural: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
• SA Metro: www.mfs.sa.gov.au
• SA Rural: www.cfs.sa.gov.au
• QLD Metro: www.fire.qld.gov.au
• QLD Rural: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
• WA: www.dfes.wa.gov.au
• NT: www.pfes.nt.gov.au
• TAS: www.fire.tas.gov.au
• www.bom.gov.au