BE PREPARED

Words KYLIE JACKES

Emergencies can affect households throughout the year, but particularly during bushfire, storm and flood seasons. As Adam Elms of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises, preparation is key. “Educating yourselves and others about fire and storm safety and preparing for an event is the best way to help minimise the potential impact,” he says. Here’s our guide to jobs you can do in and around the house, creating an action plan and packing an emergency kit.

Check the perimeter

Risks vary according to location but, wherever you live, there are many ways to help make your home safer. Glenn Alderton at Queensland State Emergency Service recommends removing debris from around your home. “Also clear gutters and trim tree branches – these are all small steps that can make a big difference during severe weather,” he says. Regularly inspect your roof for leaks, and check gutters and downpipes for rust, loose fixings, blockages or cracks.

Be bushfire savvy

If you live in a bushfire-prone area, there’s plenty you can do to minimise risk, advises Ben Shepherd of the

NSW Rural Fire Service. Remove excess vegetation plus leaf litter from gutters and keep lawns trimmed. Cut back any trees and shrubs overhanging buildings and ensure your house number is clearly visible and your block has adequate access. “And make sure you have hoses long enough to reach around your property,” he says. Help keep embers out of the house by installing metal gutter guards, enclosing spaces under the home and adding metal mesh over your windows and vents. “Installing a sprinkler system to the gutters will help dampen litter and extinguish embers,” says Ben. “Make sure you have a reliable source of water like a pool, tank or dam, and a diesel/petrol pump.”

“Get into the habit of practising your fire escape plan”

Adam Elms, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Remember to maintain three points of contact (both feet and one hand, for example) when working on a ladder to clear gutters

Stay alert and alarmed

Day to day, it’s essential that all homes have working smoke alarms. “If your smoke alarm is older than 10 years, it should be replaced,” says Adam Elms. “Photoelectric smoke alarms are recommended as they’re generally more effective across a wider range of fires, and are less likely to falsely activate,” he adds. Press the test button monthly, and vacuum around the alarm to remove dust or cobwebs.

Plan to succeed

Preparation isn’t just about cleaning up around the house – it’s also about having a bushfire survival plan. Involve all household members to create one and practise it. “So if your home is threatened by fire, you know when you will go, where you will go and what you will take,” says Ben Shepherd. Check your home, contents and car insurances are up to date and suitable.

Organise supplies

Put together an emergency kit you can grab in a flash. “The kit should be filled with three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, warm clothes, medications, first aid supplies, important documents and valuables,” says Glenn Alderton. Pack batteries, torches, basic toiletries, a radio and a phone charger, too.

Know the danger zone

Staying informed and in contact with people is critical if an emergency seems imminent. “The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System has simplified the identification of bushfire risks throughout Australia,” says Adam. Visit afdrs.com.au to find out more about the system.

Tune into local radio for regular storm, flood and bushfire warnings and to keep up to date with road closures, evacuation alerts and emergency shelter locations.

Identify your home’s mains supplies for water, power and gas and check you know how to turn them off. Have a torch handy, keep devices fully charged and stock food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or cooked. It’s also good practice to switch off any electrical items not in use.

“In the event of a storm, residents should secure loose items around their homes such as trampolines, outdoor furniture and barbecues,” advises Glenn.

Also check in with your neighbours to see if they’re suitably prepared, recommends Adam, and lend a hand or offer supplies when needed.

If possible, bring pets inside and make contingency arrangements in the event that animals need to be relocated.

9V photoelectric smoke alarm, $13.94, I/N: 4211416. 6 Whites ‘StayMesh Ultra’

1m aluminium gutterguard, $72/pack of 5, I/N: 3041136. 7 Ozito ‘PXC’ PXRDS-300

18V radio, $58.98/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6290531. 8 Whites 2.3m x 1.7m medium duty tarpaulin, $7.45, I/N: 3332212. 9 Ryobi ‘One+’ 18V 37cm 4.0Ah HP brushless cordless lawn mower kit, $418, I/N: 0347672. 10 Full Boar 600A jump starter and power bank, $199, I/N: 0233360. 11 Click LED spotlight torch, $12.34, I/N: 0346167. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.