Bushfire season is on its way and Tasmanians should prepare early

The combination of consistent rainfalls during spring to feed vegetation and above average temperatures predicted during the summer months are the perfect ingredients to a potentially hazardous bushfire season.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers says you don’t have to live in the bush to be threatened by bushfire. Burning materials, embers and smoke can travel beyond bushland areas, making a bushfire survival plan essential for every home in the state.

A well prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire. Even if your plan is to leave early, the more you prepare your home, the more likely it will be to survive a bushfire or ember attack.

“One of the most common ways houses catch fire during bushfires is from flying embers. Residents should start preparing homes and properties now by cutting back trees and vegetation surrounding their homes, cleaning gutters of leaves and twigs, and keeping lawns short and gardens well maintained.” said Mr Sayers

“In addition to preparing your property, now is the perfect time to sit down with your family and decide where you will go, how you will get there, what you will take with you, and what will trigger your plan to leave in the event of a bushfire.”

“The plan should also include what your family members should do if they are not at home, for example children at school.”

According to Tasmania Fire Service, bushfires can break out suddenly and there may be no time for official warnings so it’s important to be prepared early and always use your best judgement.

Mr Sayers urges that while you make your preparations, it’s also a good idea to check that you have adequate levels of home and contents insurance.

The 2013 and 2016 bushfires cost the state an estimated $124m.

Tasmania Fire Service, through the national award winning Bushfire-Ready Neighbourhoods program, is facilitating a series of bushfire-ready events state wide. To see upcoming events visit www.fire.tas.gov.au/brn

For more information on preparing your home and family for a bushfire, fire danger forecasts and more visit www.fire.tas.gov.au
Ned Worledge