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Emergencies can happen throughout the year in Australia, but particularly during bushfire, storm and flood seasons. Preparation for a crisis is key. “Educating yourselves and others about fire and storm safety and preparing for an event is the best way to help minimise the potential impact,” says Adam Elms of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
We’re sharing advice on how to create an action plan and pack an emergency kit, as well as jobs you can do in and around the home that will help you be prepared.
Risks vary according to location but, wherever you live in Australia, there are a variety of ways to help make your home safer from the threat of fire and storms. Glenn Alderton at Queensland State Emergency Service recommends regularly removing debris from around your property. “Also, clear gutters and trim tree branches – these are all small steps that can make a big difference during severe weather,” he says.
Inspect your roof regularly for leaks, and check gutters and downpipes for rust, loose fixings, blockages or cracks as part of your natural disaster preparation.
Tip: Remember to maintain three points of contact (both feet and one hand, for example) when working on a ladder to clear gutters.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, there’s plenty you can do to minimise risk as part of a safety management plan, advises Ben Shepherd of the NSW Rural Fire Service. Remove excess vegetation, keep lawns trimmed, clean leaf litter from gutters, and cut back any trees and shrubs overhanging buildings. Also, ensure your house number is clearly visible and your block has adequate access should you require help in an emergency. “And make sure you have hoses long enough to reach around your property,” he adds.
Other safety procedures include installing metal gutter guards (to help keep embers out of the house), enclosing spaces under the home and adding metal mesh over your windows and vents. “Installing a sprinkler system to the gutters will help dampen litter and extinguish embers,” Ben says. “Make sure you have a reliable source of water like a pool, tank or dam, and a diesel/petrol pump.”
It’s essential that all homes have working smoke alarms. “If your smoke alarm is older than 10 years, it should be replaced,” says Adam. “Photoelectric smoke alarms are recommended as they’re generally more effective across a wider range of fires and are less likely to falsely activate.”
As part of your maintenance plan, press the test button monthly, and frequently vacuum around the smoke alarm to remove dust or cobwebs.
Preparation for an emergency isn’t just about cleaning up around the house – it’s also about having a bushfire survival plan if you need to evacuate. “Get into the habit of practising your fire escape plan,” Adam says.
Involve all household members to create one and practise it should you need to jump into action. “So, if your home is threatened by fire, you know when you will go, where you will go and what you will take,” adds Ben.
Tip: In addition, check your home, contents and car insurances are up-to-date and suitable.
Put together an emergency kit you can grab quickly and easily should a natural disaster strike. “The kit should be filled with three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, warm clothes, medications, first aid supplies, important documents and valuables,” says Glenn.
Include batteries, torches, basic toiletries, a radio and a phone charger, as well.
Staying informed and in contact with people is critical if an emergency seems imminent. “The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System has simplified the identification of bushfire risks throughout Australia,” Adam says. (Visit afdrs.com.au to find out more about the system.)
Also, tune into local radio for regular storm, flood and bushfire warnings and to keep up-to-date with road closures, evacuation alerts and emergency shelter locations.
In addition, check in with your neighbours to see if they’re suitably prepared and have an emergency management plan, recommends Adam; lend a hand or offer supplies when needed. If possible, bring pets inside and make contingency arrangements in the event of an evacuation so that animals can be safely relocated.
It’s important to identify your home’s mains supplies for water, power and gas and check you know how to turn them off before a crisis unfolds. Have a torch handy, keep devices fully charged and stock food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or cooked. It’s also good practice to switch off any electrical items that are not in use.
“In the event of a storm, residents should secure loose items around their homes such as trampolines, outdoor furniture and barbecues,” Glenn advises.
For more information about being prepared, visit your local authority website:
Check out our steps to packing a bushfire survival kit.
Not all products are available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
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