Summer is definitely here and things are heating up.
If a bushfire threatened your home would you and your family leave early or stay and defend your well prepared home? This is the first of many things to consider as detailed in the RFS Bush Fire Survival Plan which guides you through some key decisions that may need to be made
1. How will you PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE?
2. Will you Leave Early or will you Stay and Defend?
3. What will your triggers be to act?
4. What will your back-up plan be?
The Survival Plan has lots of useful information like :
Equipment that is handy to have on hand: such as ladders, spades/shovels, mops & buckets, hoses long enough to reach every part of your house,
Things to do to prepare your home
- Cut back overhanging trees
- Check the condition of the roof and replace damaged tiles
- Clean leaves from the roof and gutters
- Plant a fire retardant garden that can act as an ember curtain
- Consider installing a static Water Supply sign if you have a water tank or swimming pool
- Enclose underfloor areas
- Store wood well away from the house
- Check the condition of external wall and seal gaps
- Have a non-combustible door mat
- Remove and store any flammable items away from the house
- Make sure the pressure relief valve on LPG cylinders face outwards so flame is not directed at the house
- Keep mulch away from the house and grass short
The Toronto Fire Station on Ridge Road has lots of brochures about various aspects of keeping you and your property safe. There is also the award winning fire retardant garden, showcasing ideas for planting your very own ember curtain of dense, moisture-retaining foliage, as well as a selection of plants that have less volatile oils, do not drop large amounts of debris and have smooth bark, highlighting that we can have a garden and live safely in a bushland suburb.
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