If you live in Australia, the United States, South America, or several other countries, you’ll likely know all about the risk of bushfires. Unfortunately, though, many residents don’t know how to protect themselves against the dangers – and some aren’t even aware of how they start in the first place.
Bushfires can be extremely dangerous, but if you stay vigilant, you can mostly prevent their deadly effects. This short article will give you a primer on the main things you need to know regarding keeping your home and family safe when the risks are high.
Understanding the Cause
You can’t prevent the dangers of a bushfire without first understanding what you’re up against.
While bushfires can be human-induced, many areas are naturally prone to them due to the natural environment. They catch and spread due to a ‘perfect storm’ of events: masses of dry vegetation combined with specific environmental factors, whether that be lightning, volcanic eruption, or spontaneous combustion caused by extreme temperatures.
When you consider the vast areas of natural combustible material associated with the aforementioned countries, once a bushfire starts, it can be devastating. Huge amounts of land can be completely destroyed, and naturally, there’s a major safety concern for people living nearby.
Staying Informed
If your area is at risk of bushfires, knowing ahead of time can be critical in preventing any potential damage. You should always have a plan for evacuating your home if it comes to it, and make sure you pay close attention to any local news outlets via radio, TV, or social media for warnings.
Checking for any information from your local fire authorities about staying safe is a must, too: the fire department in your area represents one of the most trustworthy resources on the topic, so be sure to follow the guidance they offer to the letter!
As with most things, maintaining strong connections with your neighbours and local community is also always a good idea; when disaster strikes, people generally come together.
Preventative Measures
There are plenty of things you can do to prevent bushfires from damaging your property.
One of the most important aspects is clearing the space of any flammable materials. While the classic dangers such as flammable gases and electrical equipment should be considered, it’s crucial to make sure there isn’t excess vegetation around your property. Overgrown bushes and hedges can be removed yourself, but you’ll want to get a professional in to perform any tree lopping: large branches that extend around the home can provide a direct line from a blazing bushfire to your house, so make sure you sort this out.
Again, your local fire authorities should also provide guidance on what materials are permitted outside the property and what aren’t.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this article has provided you with some clear starting points for preventing the spread of bushfires on your property. These fires are serious, but with care taken, you’ll be able to mitigate the risk as much as possible to keep everyone safe when they occur.