In Australia, summer means having long days, family outings and holidays. But there are people who live near the forests or in areas where bushfires are common and summers can sometimes come with the risk of bushfires.
To avoid bushfires near and around your house you have to be prepared in advance, you have to clean your gardens, gutters and save emergency contacts and talk about what if a bushfire comes near their house. All this might not look important to you in the month of October, but it can become hard to manage when summers are near.
As summer gets closer, Australian houses are focused on keeping their families safe and ready for what to do in an emergency.
Getting the family on the same page
One easy thing that you can do to keep the family and yourself safe is to have the conversation about what to do during a bushfire. People generally think that they will work it out when the time comes. The problem is that an emergency may leave very little time for last-minute decisions.
Families should prepare a bushfire survival plan that can answer some most important questions, like: when will we leave? Where will we go? Which route can we take?
In case someone is away from home when a warning comes try to communicate it to them. Keep the children and older members prepared in advance and keep the plan simple and just tell them what they would have to do if something like this happens.
A closer look at the home and garden
Bushfire safety means keeping the area around your home clean and clear. You should start by cleaning the garden and outdoor areas. Clear the leaves and dead plants also keep the grass short and firewood away from the house. Make sure your home has a clear entrance and exit in case of emergency so that vehicles can move easily.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, you may have to be a little more careful depending on the location of your home. Local fire authorities can guide you on the steps you should take.
However, there is no guarantee that it will survive a bushfire but these are the steps that you can take to reduce the risk but prevention is better than cure.
The things you will wish you had packed earlier
If a situation like this comes during a bushfire, there should be an emergency bag ready in advance to make things easier and simpler for you. In the emergency bag you need to have copies of the insurance papers, all the important documents and some medicines and all the other important items that you would need in the time of emergency.
Keep all the documents and their copies in a different file at an easily accessible space. Keep all the insurance papers safe and keep a copy of them also.
Knowing where to get reliable information
Bushfire conditions can change quickly, so always rely on official updates rather than social media posts or word of mouth.
Know which authority covers your area and where to find local warnings. Save the relevant websites and keep your phone charged. Turn on the emergency alarms and keep a battery-powered radio ready in case of power or mobile services fail.
Do not wait until you see a fire to leave. Follow official evacuation advice and leave early if your bushfire plan says to do so. Roads can be blocked and can become unsafe really quickly.
Insurance is worth checking before summer
Check your home and contents insurance before bushfire season. Make sure your cover is enough, your details are up to date, and you understand what is included. You should always review your insurance early so that you have the time to fix the gaps if any.
A little preparation now can prevent a lot of uncertainty later
Nothing can completely make any house safe from bushfires. What helps is having the important things in place before the weather turns hot and dry.
To save yourself and your family from bushfires, you should always be prepared and keep a few things ready like keeping the gardens clear, preparing an emergency bag, checking the insurance and talking through the emergency plan with everyone at home.
Bushfires are really unpredictable and you can’t keep everything prepared in one day. If your house catches fire try to save yourself and your family first instead of saving the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stay updated about bushfire warnings in Australia?
Follow official sources such as your state or territory fire authority and emergency services. Keep your phone charged, enable emergency alerts and have a battery-powered radio ready in case mobile networks or power supplies fail.
Does home insurance cover bushfire damage in Australia?
Home and contents insurance may cover bushfire damage depending on your policy. You should always check the coverage and the amount that would be covered. You can contact your insurer to gain a better understanding and a clear view of your policy.