Plan for higher risks this bushfire season

HAVING a properly thought out safety plan will help save lives, and homes, in the event of a bushfire emergency.

Riverland-based CFS regional prevention officer Tammy Heinrich said ensuring all material posing a potential bushfire risk was cleared from properties needed to be a priority.

“It’s important to be prepared as best as possible every season,” Tammy said.

“This can be with property preparedness, having a bushfire plan, and maintaining a defendable space around your home by managing the vegetation close to your home, and clearing around your property.

“That involves clearing gutters, mowing lawns, slashing grasses and removing all the flammable material close to your home. An example of that would be would piles, fallen branches and other debris like bark and litter.

“If you haven’t started preparing your property, it can seem like a big task. But you can break that into smaller tasks.”

Tammy said forecast conditions for a dry summer would “elevate the bushfire risk”.

“We’re expecting a warm and dry season,” she said.

“Fuel loads across the region are high, and the vegetation could become a hazard if a fire does start.”

Tammy said all family members should be aware of what to do in a bushfire emergency.

“Refer to the CFS website for all information you might need regarding fire ban districts, season dates, and the total fire ban days are advertised on there,” she said.

“Having a bushfire plan, including where people will go, what they will need, and what they will take, is important. 

“This could be a five-minute bushfire plan on the CFS website, or something more in depth.

“Practice that plan, communicate it, and empower young people to ensure they understand.”