Over the last few months we have seen an unprecedented number of bushfires across Northern New South Wales. Even though bushfires and grassfires are common throughout Australia, it is unheard of to see such strong fires this early in the bushfire season.
Summerland is offering special assistance for our customers that have been impacted by the bushfires. Find out more.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s state of the climate report from 2018, the overall fire danger index has increased over the past 40 years. With the changes in the climate, many Australians have as a result found that they are not bushfire ready.
Here at Summerland, we have put together some information to aid you in your preparation, so should you be affected, you’re bushfire ready.
Your bushfire plan
The NSW Rural Fire Service recommends spending 20 minutes to sit down with your family to discuss what you will do in a fire situation. Some of the steps they recommend you cover include:
- Discuss what you’ll all do if a bushfire threatens your home. For example, will you leave and if so when. Psychologists recommend you involve your children in this to help them cope and feel safe should your home come under threat.
- Prepare your home for bushfire season (see our ‘bushfire ready checklist’ below)
- Familiarise yourselves with the bushfire alert levels
- Keep up-to-date with the conditions in your area by visiting the NSW RFS website plus their Facebook and Twitter
- Download the Fires Near Me App on iOS and Google Play
- Listen to your local ABC radio station for updates
How fireproof is your plan?
Your bushfire ready checklist
Whilst we are not in control of the weather, there are many things that can be done to be bush fire ready and reduce any potential damage to your property and prevent any potential loss of life. Have a look at our checklist to help you become bushfire ready:
Items to check outside your property
- Make sure all trees and foliage around your property are trimmed and well kept. This includes keeping a 2-metre gap between your house and any tree branches and pruning all lower branches on the ground to avoid a fire climbing into tree canopies
- All gutters and roof are clear of all debris
- Use non-flammable fence materials
- Check your garden hose is long enough to reach all parts of your house
- If you live on a rural property, making sure bridges/cattle grids are strong enough to take the weight of a fire engine tanker
- For those that have a pool, tank or dam, put a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign at your property’s entrance, so firefighters can easily find water to pump from during a fire
- Minimise the number of items around your property, so you can be ready for a bushfire at short notice; this includes storing away your outdoor furniture in a safe and secure place
- Store all gas bottles and firewood away from your property
- Keep a ladder nearby in case you need to access the roof
Items to check inside your property
- Ensure all smoke alarms are working correctly and replace all the batteries
- Fill in any space under the floors, and in the attic or roof of your house. This will prevent any sparks from entering your house
- Install metal fly screens over evaporative air-conditioning systems and all windows to avoid lit embers and ash from entering your property
Links and resources to help you prepare
NSW Rural Fire Service survival guide
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
We are thinking of all our members and communities who are affected by the bush fires. Alongside your bushfire plan, now is a really good time to review your insurance policies and make sure your assets are protected. If you aren’t sure what you are covered for we recommend getting in touch with your insurance provider.
Summerland customers can call us on 1300 802 222 or visit your local branch if you need help. More information on home and contents insurance can be found here