A guide to help you survive a bushfire

The Australian landscape is no stranger to bushfires. With the country’s naturally hot and dry weather conditions, it’s clear how these mad infernos persist to blaze ahead. It’s alarming how little embers may grow into a colossal monster with the power to bring destruction to the lives of hundreds—including humans and wildlife.

One of the world’s most destructive bushfire incidents is 2009’s ‘The Black Saturday bushfires’, a series of fires that scorched across the Australian state of Victoria, killing a total of 180 people while leaving 414 injured.

It’s crucial to come up with an effective bushfire survival plan—especially if you live in a bushfire-prone area—to ensure everyone’s safety, should they occur in the future.

Stage 1: Preparation

Before bushfire season commences, it’s vital to take precautionary measures to help your home and the whole household endure minimal repercussions (or none at all) when the time arrives.

Some helpful suggestions given by ecological consultants in Sydney include:

• Removing ground fuels (such as dry vegetation) around your property

• Making sure there’s an easily accessible fire hydrant and other fire-fighting equipment

• Fireproofing a property by switching to concrete, metal, brick and stone panels

• Planting fire-smart plants (such as willow, birch, lilac and lavender among others) to slow flames down

• Having an easy fire exit installed especially if your home has more than one level

• Making sure your important documents and other valuables are located in a safe and easy-to-reach place

Every building has its own specifications. That’s why it’s best to get professional advice to ensure you acquire a plan that’s specially designed for your property.

Stage 2: Fighting fire

Bushfires can occur without forewarning—which is why it’s best to learn the proper ways to take them down if they come for your property.

While the safest option is to leave early, there are certain scenarios where you’ll be forced to stay for a while to defend yourself, your property or your household (e.g. you’re surrounded by fire and poisonous air).

Some useful fire-fighting tips include:

• Upon seeing early signs of bushfire hazards, contact emergency services immediately.

• Staying low to the ground keeps you away from smoke and poisonous air. Crawling on your hands and feet is an important step to make when evacuating.

• Submerge your body and clothing in water to protect yourself from heat.

• Set off sprinklers if possible.

• If your clothes catch fire, lie down and roll while covering your face with your hands.

Stage 3: Evacuation

Establishing an evacuation scheme is critical in every bushfire plan. Some evacuation guidelines to follow are the following:

• Identifying the nearest exits

• Knowing the nearest Bushfire Safer Place

• It’s completely normal to save your pets or valuables but if the situation doesn’t permit it, it’s best to leave them behind and inform the firefighters about them.

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Planning and preparing for these things don’t only help ease anxiety but will also allow you to make better decisions in the event bushfires come for you.