Bushfire Season is nearly here; BE PREPARED
Bushfire Season: The official start of summer is only a short few weeks away, but hot temperatures in recent weeks have given a foreboding warning about the season to come.
The declaration of an El Nino event means that conditions will be drier than they have been in recent years, making rural areas like those in the Hills and Hawkesbury highly susceptible to bushfires.
Local RFS brigades have been doing work year-round to prepare residents for what NSW Premier Chris Minns has called a potential ‘horror summer’, with a number of fires having already occurred throughout the state. However, it’s not too late to get prepared – a number of fire safety events are on the horizon to keep residents informed about the best practices to keep their homes safe.
Berowra MP Julian Leeser is hosting two bushfire readiness on Sunday 26th of November, one of which is taking place at Dural Country Club from 10am-12pm. The event will give community members the opportunity to make a fire plan, watch RFS demonstrations about preparedness, hear from bushfire survivors and understand what should be in a ‘to-go’ box in case of emergency.
Mr Leeser said the following: “The Rural Fire Service has told me that our community has told me that our community is more at risk of significant bushfires this summer than at any time in the last 20 years. We can hope for the best, but we need to prepare for the worst; being prepared could save your life and the lives of your family.”
Hills RFS Inspector and District Co-Ordinator also warned of the danger to the community this year. “Due to high fuel loads and the forecast of warmer, drier conditions, residents are expected to see an increased risk of fire this year,” he said. “It’s important to be alert to local risks of bushfire over the coming months, regardless of their location. You must understand your risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do.”
Remember the top 5 tips to help you this Bushfire Season:
- TRIM: Trim overhanging trees and shrubs. This can stop the re spreading to your home.
- MOW: Mow grass and remove the cuttings. Have a cleared area around your home.
- REMOVE: Remove material that can burn around your home (e.g. Door mats, wood piles, mulch, leaves, paint, outdoor furniture).
- CLEAR: Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home. Burning embers can set your home on fire.
- PREPARE: Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home. Make sure you’ve got a reliable source of water.
