Prepare for Bushfire

​An unprepared property is not only at risk itself, but may also present an increased danger for neighbours. Here are some things you can do:
 Structure​

• Clear leaves, twigs, bark and other debris from the roof and gutters.
• Purchase and test the effectiveness of gutter plugs.
• Enclose open areas under decks and floors.
• Install fine steel wire mesh screens on all windows, doors, vents and weep holes.
• Point LPG cylinder relief valves away from the house.
• Conduct maintenance checks on pumps, generators and water systems.
• Seal all gaps in external roof and wall cladding.

 Access

• Display a prominent house or lot number, in case it is required in an emergency.
• Ensure there is adequate access to your property for fire trucks - 4 metres wide by 4 metres high, with a turn-around area.

 Vegetation

• Reduce vegetation loads along the access path.
• Mow your grass regularly.
• Remove excess ground fuels and combustible material (long dry grass, dead leaves and branches).
• Trim low-lying branches two metres from the ground surrounding your home.

 Personal

• Check that you have sufficient personal protective clothing and equipment.
• Relocate flammable items away from your home, including woodpiles, paper, boxes, crates, hanging baskets and garden furniture.
• Check the first aid kit is fully stocked.
• Make sure you have appropriate insurance for your home and vehicles.
• Find out if there is a nearby Nei​​ghbourhood Safer Place.
• Review and update your household Bushfire Survival Plan.​

The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission Interim report recommended that people need a range of options to increase their safety in the event of bushfire.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) recommend that all people living in a bushfire prone area have a personal Bushfire Survival Plan. This document about Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) should be read in conjunction with the Bushfire Survival Plan guidelines.
When a bushfire threatens, whether your decision is to leave early or stay and defend your property, you should use an NSP only in the event that your Bushfire Survival Plan fails. In other words, an NSP is a place of last resort.
An NSP is a local open space or building where people may gather, as a last resort, to seek shelter from a bushfire. Use of an NSP may be your contingency plan when:

• Your Bushfire Survival Plan has failed.
• Your plan was to stay but the extent of the fire means that your home cannot withstand the impact of the fire and therefore your home is not a safe place to shelter.
• The fire has escalated to an `extreme` or `catastrophic` level and voluntary evacuation is your safest option.

Permit to Light a Fire

Permits are required if you intend to burn any area or stack that is 2 meters in any direction. Permits are FREE. See the RFS website for more information about Permit to Light, contact the Fire Warden (Dave) on 0417 601 580.