Store up on water, residents urged

By Paul Dunlop
THE big dry has firefighters warning residents to watch their water – in case of fire.
Country Fire Authority officials said lack of rainfall across the state could have disastrous effects during this fire season.
The CFA has urged residents, particularly in rural areas, to make sure their bushfire survival plans include adequate access to water.
“An independent water supply is the only way to ensure you have water to defend your home if it’s threatened by bushfire,” Maryknoll CFA captain Brad Waterhouse said.
“Many dams are empty this year. People need to be sure of where they can get water to defend their home.
“Even if you have access to it, don’t rely on mains water during a bushfire. Water pressure will be very low as everyone in your area, including the fire brigade, will draw on it to fight the fire.”
Mr Waterhouse said a rainwater tank was ideal but other options to store water included swimming pools, accessible dams or even rubbish bins and wheelbarrows placed at various locations around the house.
The CFA warning came as local brigades travelled to support firefighting efforts in New South Wales and in country Victoria.
To get ready for a bushfire, people in areas of high fire risk are advised to prepare a bushfire survival plan. This is a wellthoughtout plan about how to prepare and respond to a fire in your area.
“A petrol or diesel firefighting pump is a good option in case this happens,” Mr Waterhouse said.
“A sprinkler system can also help to protect buildings from ember attack.
“However, a large independent water supply will be needed to run the system for several hours and you may also need to make sure you have a back up generator to power it.”