Bushfires have become a fact of life for most of the residents of Kwinana and across Australia. Sadly, as the climate continues to change, making Australia hotter and dryer in the summer, it is probable that bushfires will become even more frequent before they lessen.

The Time for Action is Now

Bushfires start very quickly and without warning. If you are not prepared for the possibility of a bushfire, you’re at risk for injury or death. In WA, bushfire season is considered to extend from November through April, but it is essential to be prepared as early as now. It is extremely important to understand the risk that bushfires represent to your home and your family.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) offers a publication called “Prepare, Act, Survive,” describing the steps to keeping yourself and your family safe from bushfires. We recommend downloading it but here are some steps that can help you make a plan.

Prepare, Act, Survive

If your home is near bushland, the area has a history of bushfires, you live on a slope or have shrubs or bushes less than 20 metres from your house, you are at risk for bushfires. It is important that you develop a survival plan immediately. Find out your fire danger rating and determine what will be the “triggers” for you to leave. Decide where you will evacuate to and how you will get there.

Take pets into consideration. If you have anyone who is disabled, make sure you have a plan for them. Decide what you will take with you. Figure out what valuables you can take and which ones to leave. If your computer isn’t backed up, take the CPU or hard drive with you. We recommend having clothing and toiletries already packed.

Have a Backup Plan

The worst thing that can happen is to have a plan and find out that your route or destination is blocked by the bushfires. You must have a backup plan to ensure safety.

Defend or Evacuate?

We advocate the conservative approach: leave defending your home to professional firefighters. You can replace your home and its belongings. You can’t replace a life.

Call us: (08) 9527 1800. As mortgage brokers, we understand how valuable your home is.