Preparing For Bushfires
There are simple steps that members of the Hawkesbury community can do to their properties in areas that are at risk of bush fire.
The Rural Fire Service recommends:
- Tie a white flag at the front of your property if you have a water source such as a dam or a bore that is accessible by fire trucks, open gates and mark trails through properties in case the fire does approach.
- Move livestock to home paddocks
- Clear long, dry grass, dead leaves and thick undergrowth from around your home
- Clear gutters
- Remove flammable items from around your house- woodpile, paper, boxes and garden/household fuel such as petrol or paints
- Heavy duty hoses connected to taps
- Torches if power goes out
- Fill bathtub or water containers in case of power cuts
- Battery operated radio to listen to updates if power goes out
- Well watered lawns can act as fire breaks
- Cotton long sleeve shirts and pants, leather gloves and leather shoes are appropriate clothing if a fire does approach your home
- Prepare a family evacuation plan just in case
- Who can look after you children or pets?
- What documents do you need to take with you? Eg. Insurance papers - Listen to local Radio station 89.9FM. 2VTRFM is continually briefed by Fire Control in these emergency situations. This radio station will give information on public meetings and evacuations during bushfire season.
