Somewhere in the Australian national Anthem they should include that we are a nation that burns regularly. Every few years we have massive bush fires that make international news. Aussie backbone is built on our communities and their ability to come together during natural disasters. It IS THE AUSSIE WAY.
Fires, Cyclones, floods and droughts. Australia has an endless supply of natural disasters that we combat year in and year out. It is a case of when, not if, the next disaster strikes. Being an Aussie should mean that preparation is ingrained in our DNA. That is not the case however. With each disaster a mountain of heart breaking stories pour into our media and threatens to overwhelm us all.
So what do Aussies do about it
So glad you asked. WE TALK ABOUT PREVENTION AND PREPARATION!!!
No matter which Australian government site you go to, it will have a plan and prepare for disaster dedicated section in their site
VICTORIA - is renowned for having wild, out of control bushfires that wreck havoc on the entire state and often results in having to call fire fighting resources from all over Australia to maintain some control and reduce the risk of lives lost. Victorians understand that the terrain, naturally flammable vegetation and frequent exposure to hot, dry, windy weather make up to 70% of the state a high bushfire risk.
Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in Australia. Bushfires and grass fires are a part of Victorian life. So lets check out their readiness plan
You will, no doubt, have seen these signs around. They were updated after the 2019 fires and LOW is no longer an option on these. We start at moderate and education about the new signage is still needed. So understanding the Fire Danger Rating scale is essential for understanding the fire threat
Catastrophic
If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.
These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire.
Schools, parks/forests and some businesses will close when a Catastrophic day is declared.
What should I do? For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. Your life may depend on the decision you make, even before there is a fire. Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before. Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave and help may not be available. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass. Know your trigger to leave. Make a decision about:
when you will leave
where you will go
how you will get there
when you will return
what will you do if you cannot leave.
Extreme
These are dangerous fire conditions and the safest options is to leave fire risk areas early in the morning or the night before.
Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.
Expect extremely hot, dry and windy conditions.
What should I do? Take action now to protect your life and property. Check your bushfire plan and that your property is fire ready. If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts. Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas. Leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option. Be aware of local conditions and seek information.
High
Fires can be dangerous.
What should I do? Check your fire plan. There’s heightened risk. Be alert for fires in your area, Decide what you will do if a fire starts. If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bushfire risk areas. Be aware of local conditions and seek information.
Moderate
Most fires can be controlled.
What should I do? Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire. Check your fire plan. Monitor conditions. Action may be needed. Leave if necessary.
What will you take with you?
Make a list of things you will need and important documents and items you want to keep safe. This is your Emergency Kit. Pack things like:
a phone charger
bottles of water
spare clothes
toiletries
medication
pet food
torch/batteries
cash
passports
photos and precious possessions.
Remember to take your Brokers number with you!!
**How much do you need to pack? As a guide, think about what you will need if you are away for three days.
Make sure your insurance is up to date
Make sure your insurance is current. Insurance companies will place Embargos on areas effected by weather events or threatening catastrophe. It is important to make sure your insurance has ample SUM insured amounts and the cover is current. Once that embargo is placed you can no longer increase the Sum insured or you house, nor can you buy insurance until the embargo passes.
Now you can relax. You have your insurance in place at the right SUM insured and if the fire does damage your house, you know you have the support and finances to start again.