Whilst living within Australia has its positives: – beaches, cafes, sporting events. It also has its down-sides, increased exposure to cyclones, bush fires, floods and super storm cells/ storms.
Despite its large size and vast space, all the above frequently cause terrible losses within Australia. However not just of assets, but of lives and livelihoods.
Fortunately, with advancements in identifying and communication, we are more frequently being made aware of the impending arrival of a major emergency event. Allowing ourselves time to prepare and reduce the impact.
Following are several preparation guides for each emergency event, more detailed guides can be obtained at the below address:
Cyclones
- Ensure all windows are fitted with shutters or metal screens. If none are fitted, tape windows with cross-crossing fashion using packaging tape.
- Check your roof and repair any loose tiles, eaves or roof screws.
- Trim any branches hanging over your house and clear gutters or leaves and debris.
- Ensure your emergency survival kit is close at hand.
- Clear property of all loose items and bring outdoor furniture, toys and gardening equipment inside or under cover.
- Secure boats, Move vehicles/bicycles under cover.
- Fill buckets and bath with water. Make sure you have enough water purification tablets.
- Turn off all electricity, gas and water, unplug all appliances.
- Let friends/ families know where you are.
Super Storm Cells / Storms
- Get your home safe and ready. Check fences, roofs and gutters, make any repairs that are needed.
- Trim branches near your home and power-lines
- Clear gutters and down-pipes regularly, secure loose roof tiles/sheets
- Move cars undercover and away from trees.
- Put away or secure loose items like outdoor furniture and pot plants.
- Create a safe place for your pets out of the storm.
- Disconnect all electrical items.
Floods
- Identify the safest route to leave your property.
- Organise sandbags and sand, through your local council.
- Along with your emergency kit, pack warm clothes, essential medications, valuables, personal papers, mobile phone, photos and mementos in waterproof bags.
- Decide if pets are coming with you, if not how you will look after them.
- Raise furniture, clothing and other valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces.
- Turn off water and gas.
- Put sandbags into the toilet bowl and over all drains.
- If evacuating: lock your home and take safest route out of the area.
- Don’t drive in water of unknown depth.
Bush fires
- Develop a written bush fire survival and evacuation plan and discuss with others.
- Don’t wait and see. It is extremely dangerous to leave after there are signs of fire in your area.
- Decide early if you are going to evacuate or stay. Then stick to that decision.
If you decide to leave:
- Close doors and windows, fill sinks with water, move outdoor items/ furniture away from building.
- Turn off mains gas supply
- Identify if possible, alternative routes to follow to evacuate from area.
- Wear protective clothing.
If you decide to stay:
- Ensure property is fully prepared by following guides published by fire authorities.
- Keep at least 10,000 litres of water available for firefighting purposes, as well as a pump and hoses.
- Keep other equipment ready, water sprayer, bucket, mop, shovel, torch and battery powered radio.
- Ensure you wear adequate protective clothing.
