Action plan essential for bushfire survival

Primary producers have been warned to prepare a detailed bushfire action plan to reduce the impact on farm business.

FARM INSURANCE | BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL |

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) says bushfires can have a devastating impact on all aspects of farming, including losses to homes, fencing, livestock, crops, machinery and the environment.

DFES claims an action plan provides farmers with the tools to make informed decisions in a crisis and will reduce the risk of serious injury and property damage.

“It is a good idea to encourage all members of your family to participate in the development and implementation of the plan as it will help maintain awareness of the ongoing fire prevention activities that need to occur throughout the year, not just in the peak summer months,” says DFES.

Now is the time to reduce the risk by:

• Move woodpiles and stack timber away from housing;
• Keep grass short and keep grazing pasture-pressure high on areas near the house;
• Prune dead material from shrubs around infrastructure;
• Clean gutters and remove debris from roof;
• Create and maintain firebreaks;
• Prepare an emergency fire kit, including an action plan.

• Decide whether you will defend your property in the event of a fire or leave early. Make sure all family members are aware of this.

Leading insurer WFI says farming families should make sure a ‘bushfire survival kit’ includes mop and buckets, portable radio and torch, batteries, first aid kit, backpack sprayer for spot fires, protective clothing, extinguisher, ladder, shovel and hoses, towels and woollen blankets, goggles and gloves, drinking water, fire-safe storage box for important documents, photos, valuables and medication, and a reliable means of communication during power failure.

If you are near a fire wear protective clothing to avoid injury from smoke, sparks, embers and extreme heat, says DFES.

“You need to cover as much of your skin as possible with two layers of loose fitting clothing made from natural fibres,” the WA fire authority says.

Call your WFI area manager on 1300 934 934 to make sure your farm is adequately insured in the event of a bushfire.