With Australians being warned about one of the deadliest Bushfire seasons approaching, residents are being urged to get their homes bushfire ready now.
Lyn Gunter is the former Mayor of Murrindindi Shire; she was Mayor at the time of the Black Saturday fires in Victoria when 173 people lost their lives. "Coming into this summer's Bush Fire season we need to be doing more to protect our communities. Australia is the most fire prone country on the planet and being prepared is one of the key ways to try to avoid tragedy."
Prof. Guan Yeoh from the University of New South Wales Training Centre for Fire Retardant Materials and Safety Technologies, says Australians need to be better prepared for bushfires.
"Flame Security International and the University of New South Wales is developing ground breaking fire protection products with minimal environmental impact under the FIRECOAT brand," said Prof. Yeoh.
The top tips to protect Australian homes from Chartered Professional Fire Engineer Ben Ignis are:
Clear vegetation and trees – Reducing the vegetation around your home is one of the most important things you can do when getting ready for bushfire season. The best place to start is to remove dead branches, leaves and undercoat. Depending on where you live though permits may have to be obtained. Contacting your local council is the best way to determine what can be cleared and what cannot.
Use the world first fireproof paint, FIRECOAT - Use FIRECOAT, the first paint to protect in extreme bush fire conditions. Paint you your house, sheds, decking, fences or any other property you need to protect. This product has been created in Australia in conjunction with world leading scientists and engineers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The non-toxic paint which has passed stringent testing both here and around the globe is a world first and now available for consumer purchase from Bunnings.
Pre-pack for an emergency and know your location – Pack an emergency survival kit for yourself and your family. This may include fresh clothing, which include portable battery-operated radio and waterproof torch with spare batteries, candles and waterproof matches, first aid kit and manual, at least 3 litres of water per person, waterproof bags ready for valuables, cash and ATM or credit cards, medications, and toiletries, mobile phone charger. Also, draw up an evacuation plan for family and pets that designates an assembly point, responsibilities, and transport. Not everyone responds calmly in a crisis, so regular practice of the evacuation drill with the whole family is important preparation.
Check windows and screens - Your home is your safe haven and a place that does not welcome fire. Fire can creep in though, quite literally through cracks in window and door fittings. Fire knows no boundaries and will spread itself wherever there is oxygen to nourish it, with your house no exception. Embers are the perfect size to billow into your home through gaps and crevasses in your windows and doors you may not have previously thought to cover. Assuage unwanted cinder with wire screens that are not only fire resistant but also block impinging fire threats. A good screen installation company will be able to fit out your windows and doors within a day.
