BUSHFIRE PREPARATION
Our desire to live close to nature means that many homes are built in areas that are at risk of bush fire. There are several elements that increase the bush fire risk to our properties and families, and it pays to assess and attempt to mitigate these risks well in advance.
You are at more risk if you:
Are close to bushland or areas with significant ground fuels (bush, scrub, grass etc)
Live in a designated bushfire prone area according to your council's bushfire prone land map
Live in a general area with a history of fire incidents
Are on top of a slope, such as a ridge or hill. Fire runs quickly upslope
Have continuous rows of vegetation on, or leading to your property
Have combustible material near structures, such as bushes/shrubs growing next to homes, woodpiles, rubbish or leaves in gutters
Live on a property with limited access, making it difficult for you and firefighters to get into and exit your property (e.g. one road in and out, or no access around your property)
Have little access to water for firefighting
Are distant from firefighting services
Haven't prepared your family, house, property and firefighting equipment.
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