Hobart is the most bushfire prone capital city in Australia. Early preparation can make a significant difference in protecting homes and lives. Here's a few tips from City of Hobart experts that may save your house or even your loved ones.
Create a Bushfire Plan
Have a bushfire plan for your household. Download the Bushfire Safety Guide and sign up for the Bushfire-Ready Challenge on the Tasmania Fire Service bushfire website. Make sure everyone knows the plan and practices it.
Assemble an emergency kit
Pack an emergency kit and keep it accessible. The Bushfire Safety Guide has tips on what to include. Don't forget medications and plans for your pets!
Having an emergency kit ready will save you valuable time.
Clean up your garden
Trim plants and shrubs, remove dead materials and make sure nothing is growing too close to your house.
Maintain your garden
Keep your garden well-watered and mow the lawn regularly to reduce fire risk.
Remember to clean your gutters.
Dispose of fine fuels
Gather leaves, twigs, and other fine fuels, and place them in your FOGO bin.
Use fire-safe mulch
Avoid flammable mulch like bark. Opt for non-flammable alternatives such as pebbles or gravel.
Check under your decking
If your house has an open under-floor space, make sure there's nothing flammable stored underneath.
Seal gaps around your house
Inspect your home for gaps larger than 2mm around doors, windows and vents. These are entry points for embers - seal them up with materials like metal fly-screen mesh or silicon sealant
Switch your doormat
If you have a natural-fibre doormat, replace it with a fire-resistant option or remove it during bushfire season.
Monitor fire danger ratings
Stay updated with the Fire Danger Rating Forecast. Plan to leave early on Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger days. You can check the four-day forecast on the Tasmania Fire Service website.
Fire Danger Rating System describes the potential level of danger should a bushfire start.
Download the TasALERT App
Available from the Apple App Store and Google Play, the TasALERT App helps you stay informed with a 'locate-me' function, watch zones and warning-sharing options.
Act now to stay safe
Preparing ahead can save lives. Get ready now to protect your household this bushfire season.