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.
Sourced from University of NSW & FSA Firecoat
