Bushfires are a serious problem in the summer. As the sun dries the ground, it's easy for debris to burst into flame. The more intense the wind, the faster the fire spreads. We've seen some of the most devastating bushfires in history recently. How do we prepare for the fire season?
Now that winter is starting, most of us aren't thinking about bushfires. But there are actually a lot of things we can do to prepare ourselves for the winter. That way, we'll be ready when fire season starts.
Ember Proof
The winter is a perfect time to ember proof your home. Houses sometimes go up in flames because embers spark due to flammable conditions. The more you shield your property, the better your chances of keeping your home are.
Follow these steps:
- Use metal wiring to cover your vents, but making sure that you don't ever completely seal them off.
- Seal the caps of your ridges with silicon or wire.
- Use silicon to seal the gaps in your doors and windows.
- Get rid of winter debris like leaves, grass, and weeds, especially near your deck.
- Clean your gutters and make sure they stay clean as fire season approaches.
These simple steps will reduce a lot of your ember hazards.
Invest in Equipment
Urban population centres tend to be well protected against bushfires. It's difficult for a blaze to move through the infrastructure, and the government prioritizes densely populated areas first. For those in rural areas, though, you might want to invest in your own defence equipment.
You'll want to make sure you have a supply of water if a fire starts. Consider getting some extra hoses and a pump powered by petrol, in case you lose power. Make sure the pump gets serviced right before the season starts.
Have Protective Clothing
If you plan to protect your home, you have to protect yourself, too. Don't ever wear synthetic fabrics, as these melt in the heat. Look for fire-rated clothes like denim and cotton.
Protect your body by wearing gloves, goggles, and heavy-duty boots. Put on a wide brim hat to shield your face and strap on a dust mask, too.
