Every bushfire season, Australia experiences devastating fires that scar the landscape and leave a lasting impact on many lives. While education programs that focus on prevention and what to do during a bushfire are promoted every summer, the incidence of bushfires continues to rise. The increase can be linked to rising temperatures and changing climate conditions.
Bushfires have devastating and long-lasting effects on communities. The monetary cost alone of bushfires in NSW is expected to reach 100 million dollars in the next 50 years according to the Climate Council.
Precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of bushfire threat. Here’s a list of things to do to help you prepare for bushfire season.
Sometimes there is nothing you can do to prevent the spread of fire. However, you can make sure that you have sufficient insurance cover in case a fire damages part or all of your home.
Many people are underinsured or do not have their homes and contents insured at all, which can leave them out-of-pocket. Check that your home and contents is up to date and the cover is adequate in the event of a fire.
Many councils have maps available on their website that identify high risk bushfire areas. If your property falls into one of these areas, you may need to take additional precautions. You can also make sure you are on any available alert lists authorities use during emergencies.
Free will help you and your family how to prepare, act and survive in the event of a fire. It includes life saving tips, including how and when to make the decision to vacate your property if there are any signs of fire, or when the fire danger rating is extreme or catastrophic and your home is not built to withstand a fire.
Monitor each state’s fire alert maps for the latest updates here:
It is important to assess your home to identify potential fire hazards. Clear fire hazards and general debris so you have a safety zone around your main property. Hazards outside of the home can include overgrown shrubbery close to the house, gutters full of leaves and sources of open flames, like barbecues or cigarette butts.
Some additional examples of ways to fireproof your home and its surroundings are:
install fine mesh screens on your doors and windows
consider using metal sheeting for your roof rather than flammable wood products
erect a security fence that can act as a heat barrier
install a sprinkler system
If you have a static water supply (SWS) like a pool, dam or water tank you can install a SWS sign out the front of your home to alert authorities to an additional water supply that may be used to help fight a fire.
Ensure everyone in your family understands the devastation bushfires can cause. Often it is a simple thing (like using matches outside on a hot day) that can start a fire that quickly gets out of control. Develop and rehearse a fire evacuation plan with your family in case you need to implement it, and be vigilant on the preventative measures during the drier months, such as always keeping gutters clear.
Bushfires can have devastating effects for Australians, but there are many measures you can take to help protect your home and family. Your top priority should be protecting your family.
1. A fire burns faster when traveling uphill and decelerates when moving downhill. If you live near a slope, keep this in mind.
2. A fire can consume a room within 4 minutes.
3. The oil found in Eucalyptus leaves is flammable, which helps bushfires burn faster and spread.
4. Fires help Eucalyptus trees regenerate. When a Eucalyptus tree is burned, it’s seed capsules open up. It’s seedlings thrive in freshly burned, ash-rich soils.
5. Embers can cause your house to catch fire hours before the actual fire arrives at your home.
Sources:
https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/australian-bushfire-threat-longer-more-dangerous-seasons
http://www.thebushfirefoundation.org/how-fire-behaves
http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/hazards/bushfire
https://www.livescience.com/40583-australia-wildfires-eucalyptus-trees-bushfires.html
Cover and benefits are subject to the terms and conditions including the limits and exclusions of the insurance policy. Any advice provided is general only and may not be right for you. Before you purchase this product you should carefully read the Home Insurance Product Disclosure Statement and consider the Target Market Determination to decide if it is right for you.
