Be ready for bushfire battle

Paul Dunlop
MOPS, buckets, torches, blankets and towels — no householder should be without them this bushfire season.
With summer fast approaching and fears mounting of a potentially horror fire season, Country Fire Authority officials last week warned residents to be fully prepared.
“If you have decided to stay and defend your home you must have personal protective clothing, hoses, an independent water supply and a way to access it such as a firefighting pump,” Lang Lang CFA Captain Mark McPherson said.
Personal protective clothing includes a long sleeved shirt, trousers, solid footwear, sturdy gloves and protective glasses for each person who is going to defend the home.
“Firefighters wear protective gear to survive and so should you.
“Everyone should wear clothing that protects them from radiant heat, even if they are not actively fighting the fire,” Mr McPherson said.
Blankets and towels can be used to seal any gaps under doors and around windows to prevent embers form entering the home and starting a fire.
“Embers can also enter gaps in the roof. Have a ladder and a torch on hand to check for fires in the roof space,” he said.
The most effective way to extinguish fires is with water. Hoses will need to reach all areas of the property. Don’t be caught short. Metal hose fittings are preferable to plastic ones as they don’t melt.
Don’t depend on mains water during a bushfire.
“A rainwater tank is ideal but other options to store water include swimming pools, accessible dams or even rubbish bins and wheelbarrows placed around the house,” Gembrook CFA Captain Ian Robbins said.
CFA brigade support officer Chris Barber said firefighters wanted to emphasise the importance of being prepared.
“Keep in contact with your neighbours and watch for smoke. Keeping informed could save your life,” he said.