It’s bushfire season. How prepared are you?

Secret Harbour residents living near bushland areas are urged to be on alert and ensure their property is prepared for bushfire with the hot and dry conditions expected in the coming weeks. FESA District Manager for Perth South Coastal Doug Smith says, “Preparing yourself, your family and your home is your responsibility. The more you prepare and maintain your property, the better chance it will have of surviving a bushfire in the surrounding area.”

“With planning and effort the majority of houses in bushfire risk areas can survive most bushfires.”

Preparation includes clearing the area around your home of all rubbish, long dry grass, bark and other material that may catch fire. Creating and maintaining a minimum two-metre gap between your house and tree branches will help to protect your home from embers. Keeping roof gutters and valleys clear of leaves and bark will also reduce the chances of your house catching alight.

Doug Smith reminds homeowners that homes with evaporative air conditioners are particularly at risk of catching fire from embers coming from bushfires or even small back yard fires. “If a fire starts in your air conditioner it can spread quickly throughout your home. In the case of a fire in the surrounding area, run the air conditioner to wet the filter pads and then switch the air conditioner off. If the unit can run water over the filter with the fan turned off, continue to do so. If the water cannot be run on its own, wet the air conditioner pads using a garden hose.”

Residents are also urged to develop a bushfire survival plan so they can act decisively during a fire to survive. “This plan will help you take action and avoid making last minute decisions that could prove deadly during a bushfire. Develop your plan with your family and write it down,” Doug Smith said.

“Leaving early before a fire reaches you will always be the safest option for you and your family.”

“Your plan may vary depending on who is at home and cover what you will do if things go wrong.”

“Decide before a fire starts where you will go, how you will get there, what will happen to pets and what belongings you will take. These are considerations that can’t happen at the last minute. They need to be well thought out and actions decided on now.”

“Develop your plan with your family and write it down.”

Bushfire Survival Plan templates and other checklists are available in Prepare. Act. Survive. Your Guide to Preparing For and Surviving the Bushfire Season online at www.fesa.wa.gov.au or by calling 9323 9566.

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