Environment

Prepare for bushfire season

As spring ushers in the dry season on the Sunshine Coast, it also marks the beginning of bushfire season. Despite a wet winter, just a week of warm weather can dry out the ground, making bushfires a serious threat. To avoid being caught off guard, it's crucial to prepare yourself, your family, property and business now.

Jason Membrey, Disaster Management Coordinator at Sunshine Coast Council (SCC), emphasises the importance of preparation for all residents. "Now is the time to do your homework and know your risk, prepare your household and know how to protect yourself, your family and your property," said Jason.

To ensure your safety during bushfire season, it's essential to take proactive measures. Start by clearing gutters and roofs of debris, maintaining firefighting equipment, and installing protective measures like steel wire mesh screens on windows and doors. Regularly mowing lawns, removing flammable debris, and trimming low-lying branches can significantly reduce vegetation risks.

Make sure your house number is clearly visible and that there is enough space for fire trucks to access your home. Have protective clothing and equipment ready, prepare evacuation and emergency kits, and keep your insurance policies up to date. Decide in advance whether you will stay and defend your property or evacuate early for safety.

It's also important to consider various scenarios, such as being away from home, unable to find pets, or having guests staying. Having a plan for these situations will help ensure your safety during a bushfire emergency. Residents in bushfire-prone areas should be self-reliant to ensure their safety.

Landowners are responsible for managing bushfire hazards on their property. This includes reporting fires, being aware of fire management issues, and complying with local vegetation protection laws. Your property is at higher risk if you live close to bushland, your area has a history of bushfires, you have greenery within 20m of your buildings, or your structures are built on a slope.

The Qld Fire Department’s website has a postcode checker so residents can check their home’s level of risk. Visit: fire.qld.gov.au/ postcode-checker.

Stay informed by visiting Council’s Disaster Hub at: disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au/#Dashboard orqfes.qld.gov.au.