The NSW Rural Fire Service is encouraging property owners in the Liverpool Range District area – which includes Gunnedah – to prepare their firefighting equipment ahead of fire activity this season.
RFS Superintendent Paul McGrath said properly prepared properties stand a far better chance of surviving a bush fire than those that are unprepared.
“Proper preparation includes ensuring all your firefighting equipment and water supplies are well maintained before and during the fire season,” RFS Superintendent Paul McGrath said.
“Making sure you have clothing that can effectively protect you from the heat of a fire, as well as other elements, is an important aspect of your preparation.
“Residents should also regularly review their bush fire survival plan to ensure all members of the household know what they should do in the event of a bush fire.
“Important supplies, such as bottled drinking water and medication, should be packed ready to go while valuables should be kept in a central location that is easily accessible during an emergency.”
The RFS has issued the following checklist for use when preparing bush firefighting equipment:
– Organise water supplies and firefighting equipment.
– Gather buckets (preferably metal), mops, spray backpack units, ladders, rakes, extinguishers, fire blankets and shovels in one easily accessible place.
– Make sure hoses reach all around the house while attached to taps.
– If possible, use heavy duty hoses with wide spray nozzles.
– Prepare reserve water supplies (tanks, dams or swimming pools) for use during a bush fire, when
mainstream water will be in high demand.
– Fit a gate valve to water tanks. A 38mm Storz coupling will assist the RFS. Buy a portable pump (with gate valve) for use with dams and swimming pools.
– Regularly check petrol or diesel portable pumps to ensure they start easily.
– Consider installing a sprinkler system in your garden and on your roof.
– Have a battery-operated radio and torch (with new batteries) in case of electricity failure.
– Join the Static Water Supply (SWS) marking system so firefighters can quickly determine if you have a dam, pool or tank that can be used for firefighting.
