Once a year, we like to stop telling you about our custom built doors and windows long enough to provide what we see as a public service: a reminder to all of our friends, neighbours and customers, past, present and future, that you should have a written bushfire emergency plan.
Why a Written Bushfire Emergency Plan is Important
We know that you are busy. Whether you are highly successful or working hard just to get by, we know emergency plans are probably one of the last things you want to spend your time thinking about. However, when a bushfire emergency does occur, it is often too late to figure out what to do.
That’s why we implore you: if you don’t have a bushfire plan, stop what you are doing and create one now. Make sure your entire family knows what to do in case of a bushfire emergency. Most families can do this in one evening. It may be the most important evening you and your family ever spend together.
Make Sure Your Bushfire Plan Covers These Areas
First, you need to know the fire danger ratings and exactly what they mean to your area. Know exactly what your family needs to do at every danger level. If you wait until the fire has reached your area, you have waited too long and will be at the mercy of the bushfire. If you have children, elderly or animals in your home, have a plan to get them as far away from the danger area as soon as possible.
Do you know the location of your nearest bushfire safe place or evacuation centre? Do you know where to find news on your radio in an emergency? You will need both. It is also important to have a “bushfire survival kit” ready and make sure everyone in your family knows where it is.
Your bushfire survival plan, when finished, should tell everyone in your family exactly when it’s time to leave and where to go. It is important to have multiple “escape routes,” depending on which direction the bushfire is travelling. You should also have a predetermined destination, such as the home of a friend or relative who doesn’t live in your area, with a route for each destination.
Make sure everyone has their own little “kit” and knows exactly what they are going to be allowed to take with them. Making these decisions ahead of time can save crucial minutes during an emergency.
When You Leave
When you leave, there are some things you can do to make it more likely that you will have a home when you return. Fill all sinks with water. Make sure the doors and windows are closed. Make sure your main gas supply is shut off.
Make sure you have a list of contacts with you. Let important contacts know where you are going. Make sure you have a backup to your emergency plan, in case you didn’t leave early enough. For a last resort, your NSP or Neighbourhood Safer Place may save your life. Make sure you are wearing clothing that will protect you from radiant heat.
Defending Your Home
A lot of people want to stay and defend their homes. Many of them die. We are against that option because your life and the lives of your family members are more important than any possessions, even your home. However, if you do choose to stay, make a home defense plan. There are plenty of resources online.
While On the Road
It is important to leave as early as possible. If you are caught on the road in a bushfire, it is an extremely dangerous situation. You can be exposed to radiant heat without being “close” to the bushfire. If the fire comes too close, there are two things you can do: park behind a solid structure or find a clear area with no trees or debris.
Stay Safe: A Friendly Reminder from a Supplier of Custom Built Doors
If you want more information or you are interested in our custom built doors or windows, call Fremantle Door & Window Company today: 1300 308 323.