Preparing for a Bushfire in Australia

No matter what part of Australia you call home, it is vitally important to prepare for the possibility of a bushfire. Don’t depend on outside sources to protect you or your belongings. Create a plan before disaster strikes to ensure your safety. Write down your plan and complete regular practice run-throughs to avoid panicking should a bushfire strike. Do not take the risk of waiting until the last minute to prepare.

Take care of yourself before your belongings. Have an emergency set of clothes prepared in case of a bushfire. Set aside clothing made of natural fabrics like denim or cotton and a pair of thick soled shoes to protect your feet. Synthetic fabrics may catch fire easily and can melt onto your skin when exposed to high temperatures. Keep a wide-brimmed hat on hand to protect your head from falling embers. Safety glasses will protect your vision against smoke and other elements. Lastly, protect your lungs by using a smoke mask or dampened natural fiber cloth over your mouth and nose to prevent smoke inhalation.

After you have taken appropriate measures to ensure your own safety, secure your home and land by eliminating fire hazards like dry bark and leaves. Secure windows and doors by filling in cracks and gaps and remove other fire hazards like gas tanks from your property. Ensure that firefighters have a clear path into your property by moving any obstacles to a further location.

You may need to evacuate the area in the event of a bushfire. Prepare an emergency pack that contains a change of clothes, contact numbers, medications, small snacks and a bottle of water. Keep a battery-operated radio on hand to stay up to date with local warnings. Do not waste space or time by gathering material objects. Your safety and well-being are more important than your personal possessions.

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