June 4, 2014
Firefighters are encouraging local residents to take time over the upcoming long weekend to prepare themselves and their homes ahead of bushfire season.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Lee Johnson said there were a number of simple steps residents could take to prepare themselves and their homes that could make a real difference between a property surviving a bushfire or sustaining significant damage.
“By clearing overgrowth and fire hazards from around the house, you can reduce the risk of a bushfire impacting your home. It’s the perfect job for the long weekend,” Commissioner Johnson said.
“A well-prepared home will increase its ease of defence during a bushfire.”
He said the long weekend was also a great time for families to sit down and create a Bushfire Safety Plan.
“Each family should have their own plan detailing how they will prepare and what action they will take if threatened by a bushfire.
“The plan must be in writing, practiced regularly and should take into consideration the ages and capabilities of everyone in your household, including children and the elderly.
“It’s also a great time for residents to start familiarising themselves with the four levels of bushfire Community Warnings (Advisory, Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warning) so you know what actions you should take if one of these messages is issued in your area.”
Mr Johnson said the current weather conditions were favourable in many parts of the State for hazard reduction activities.
“Landholders wanting to light a fire in the open should seek advice from the local Fire Warden, as a permit may be required,” he said.
“Graziers wanting to preserve grass for their stock should establish fire breaks along fence lines or other boundaries. These may be in the form of roads or by mechanically reducing fuel loads.
“These are simple actions everyone can undertake get ready for this year’s bushfire season. Remember: if we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot.”
- Download Bushfire Survival Plan information and template (8.4Mb – warning, this is a large file)
