Local Albany District Officer from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, John Tonkin hosted the session, sharing useful tips and tricks you can use in and around the home to be fire ready! The discussion included whether you choose to leave early, or stay and defend. What would you do if you were caught in a car when the fire passes?
All attendees left with a simple two step bushfire kit to help with their preparation for the season. A user friendly kit with checklists and vital details for you to think about. Didn’t receive a kit? Come into the CRC to collect your FREE kit today!
Couldn’t attend? Here are a few tips and key information whilst preparing your home this bushfire season,
- On average, fire will move at a rate of 15km per hour. For every 10 degrees the speed of the fire doubles e.g. 20 degree slope is 45km/hour.
- Create a safe zone (approx. 20m) around your house e.g. cut back all long grass
- Radiant heat is a key killer – wear long sleeve cotton shirts and trousers - not synthetic.
- A few tips if you choose to stay
- Wet shade clothes and sails
- Bring your water hose inside
- Move animals in preparation
- Remove doormats, outdoor furniture and hanging baskets
- Roll and wet towels and place under doors
- Fill your wheelie bins with water
- Have a kit ready! Include batteries, torches, food, medications, important legal documents etc.
- Survival in a car
- Face in the direction of the fire
- Leave the engine running
- Get below glass line of car e.g. foot well
- Face in the direction of the fire
For more information visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or during a fire, make sure you tune into your local ABC AM channel (558 in the Shire of Dumbleyung) or visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au for the most up to date information.