11. Appendix G - Bushfire Hazard Assessment & Management Plan.pdf

                    Step 3 - Prepare Your Home
prepare your home

                    General home maintenance:
                                                                                                                   Be careful
                    »» Keep your roof in good condition and check it regularly.                                    using portable
                    »» Keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain away quickly.                           generators.
                                                                                                                   Do not use
                    »» Trim trees and overhanging branches (be aware of any overhead powerlines).                  them indoors
                    »» Check and fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations and loose                  or in enclosed
                        fittings.                                                                                  places such
                                                                                                                   as garages
                    General home preparations:                                                                     or carports.
                    »» Ensure your home, contents and car insurance is current and adequate.                       This can lead
                        Check your policy includes debris clean up and removal.                                    to a build-up
                                                                                                                   of carbon
                    »» Identify the strongest room to shelter in place during severe storm or cyclone.             monoxide — a
                    »» Identify where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power and gas.                colourless
                    »» Consider what arrangements need to be made if you have pets.                                and odourless
                                                                                                                   gas that can
                    »» Check with your neighbours in case they need assistance.                                    make you pass
                        If you live in a flood-prone area:                                                         out or cause
                                                                                                                   death.
                         »» Store all poisons and garden chemicals well above ground level.
                         »» Identify indoor items you will need to raise or empty if flood threatens.
                         »» Consider alternatives to carpet and relocate power-points to well above previous flood
                             levels (using a licensed contractor).
                        If you live in a cyclone / severe storm-prone area:
                         »» Arrange for a professional builder to check your building and identify ways you can
                             increase the structural security of your home to withstand high winds.
                         »» Fit windows with shutters or metal screens for added protection during high winds.
                        If you live in a bushfire-prone area:
                         »» Understand your risk - speak to your local Rural Fire Brigade or Volunteer Community
                             Educator.
                         »» Prepare your Bushfire Survival Plan
                            »»ensure access to your property is easy for fire vehicles.
                            »»remove materials that can help fuel a fire (e.g. long dry grass, dead leaves, branches or debris
                               around your home).
                             »»check that pumps, generators and water systems are working correctly.
                    Final home preparations:
                    »» For when warnings are issued for cyclone or severe storm
                        »»disconnect electrical appliances and external television / radio aerials and turn off electricity and
                           gas main supplies if instructed to do so.
                        »»Secure or put away items (e.g. garden furniture) that can be blown around.
                        »»fill buckets and bath with clean water in case of interruptions to water supply.
                        »»close windows with shutters or tape windows with strong tape and draw curtains.
                    »» For when warnings are issued for flood:
                        »»disconnect electrical appliances.
                        »»move outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and poisons to a higher location.
                        »»empty and raise freezers / refrigerators and stack or move furniture, valuables and electrical items
                           off-site.
                        »»sandbag internal drains and toilets to prevent sewage backflow.
                        »»move livestock, plant and feed to higher ground.


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