Don’t be an arsonist’s wet dream

With temperatures soaring across the country this week – the bushfire season has officially begun and already police have attended to dozens of sites where bushfires have been lit deliberately, further investigating even more. Alarmingly, these figures will only increase as the Summer continues, and emergency services will not be able to cope with every situation. This is why it’s so important for all of us, no matter where you live, to help our emergency volunteers as much as possible – to help our rural communities tackle arson and the devastating impact it has on our lives.

Australians love a holiday, and chances are most of us will enjoy the tranquility of the bush sometime this holiday season. Whether it be in our secluded campground, or New Years drinks at a friends coast house, it’s so important for all of us to be aware of our actions and the actions of those around us. If you see something, please say something. If someone is acting suspiciously in the area, please contact emergency services. If you can, try and note the description of the individual, focusing on their age, gender, height, build, hair colour and other distinguishing features. Also make note of any vehicles nearby and their registration, make, model, colour and any damage to the vehicle. This information could be crucial in an investigation into the fire. Also, if you see a fire burning in the area, don’t hesitate, contact fire authorities as soon as possible – every second counts.

Respect the conditions! A total fire ban means that absolutely no fire should be lit under any circumstance. By ignoring the ban, not only could you start a catastrophic bushfire endangering Australian lives, but it could also land you a fine of at least $25,000 and 12 months jail time – a large price to pay for some roast marshmallows. Even if there is no fire ban in the area, respect the conditions of the day – if it’s windy, hot and dry, don’t light a fire unless absolutely necessary (when you’re trying to make a smoke signal to be rescued from your deserted island). And use your common sense – make sure there are no overhanging trees above or nearby and that your fire is contained at all times.

Don’t be the 50%. This summer is going to be a doozy. So have fun, but be careful – our volunteers deserve as much free time as they can get. Always be aware, because an unaware person is an arsonist’s wet dream.

Preparing your home for a bushfire – My Top Tips!

This is one way to build a bushfire safe home…

As a victim of bushfire, I cannot stress enough how important it is to prepare your home and family for the event of a bushfire. While it may not happen this year, or the next – the day it does, your actions will ultimately decide how your home and family survive a bushfire. So please, have a look at these simple tips and get started today!

1. Know your risk. A common misconception about bushfires is that they only occur in the bush. If your home or property is near grassland, or paddocked areas – you are just as susceptible to fires. In fact grass fires can move much faster than bushfires and produce massive amounts of heat – potentially killing anyone in the open.

2. If you haven’t already, print/update your bushfire survival plan. Be sure to review the plan (it won’t take long), it’s extremely helpful even for the most seasoned of preppers.

3. Contact your local Rural Fire Service and arrange an inspection of your property, not only will they provide you with some specific advice on what you can do to reduce your fire danger rating, but it’s also useful for them to be familiar with your home and surroundings if they have to attend it in an emergency.

4.Weekend Prep Tips – In a bushfire many homes are destroyed through ember attack (embers carried large distances by the wind), these simple tips will help better protect your home during a fire:

• Clean your gutters, and if you’re feeling extra productive install metal gutter guards.
• Repair any damaged exterior surfaces on the house.
• Install metal mesh screens on windows and doors.
• Fit seals around windows and doors to eliminate gaps.
• Keep lawns short and gardens maintained, cutting back trees and shrubs and fallen leaves and twigs.

5. Understand the fire danger rating system to always be alert and aware of bushfire risk in the area.

Finally, get to know your local fire volunteers. They’re always hosting useful informational events and meetings, but you can also show your appreciation for the amazing work they do week in week out – and they do it for free.