When a wildfire is approaching, it is time to get set to evacuate…if that is your plan…
As a wildfire approaches it is highly likely a power outage may occur and it’s important to be prepared for this when leaving your home. If the fire is exceptionally large, as in 2017 in Pedrógão Grande, the sun may be completely blotted out and you will be left in pitch darkness.
Be ready for this right away with a torch and/or headlamp as you might need to do the following things in complete darkness at any moment…
- Dress in appropriate clothing no matter how hot it is – cotton long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, cap or hat and strong footwear. Keep a bandana, eye protection, work gloves and face mask with you.
- Carry your cell phone, spare battery, car keys, wallet on your person.
- Alert your family and then immediate neighbours, if possible.
- Get your house pets (cats and small dogs) caught and boxed ready to go. Put a large dog on it’s lead ready to go out to the car. Remember animals may smell the smoke and become anxious, so not as obedient or compliant as normal.
- Place Emergency Kits and Pet Emergency Kit in your vehicle.
- Make sure your car is facing forward to exit with windows and doors shut.
- If you have an automatic garage door or gate opener get the car out straight away or disconnect it so you can still get the car out if a power failure occurs. Know how to manually open your automatic garage doors or gates.
- Make sure your Car Emergency Kit is within the vehicle, not in the boot.
- Stay close to your house and drink plenty of water to be well hydrated before you go. Do NOT let a member of your household leave the premises to find out where the fire is.
- Gather important items that are not already in your personal Emergency Kit (because you may use them on a daily basis) – personal computer, tablet + chargers, handbag with credit cards, prescription drugs, documents (especially house and insurance) personal valuables, photos etc.
Inside your home – ONLY if you have time
- Shut all windows and doors, including interior doors, but leave them unlocked. This will prevent sparks from blowing inside and to prevent drafts.
- Close shutters.
- Take down any lightweight flammable curtains or blinds.
- Close all venetian blinds and heavy curtains to keep out heat and to provide safety in case heat or wind breaks windows.
- Move flammable furniture away from windows and doors to the middle of the room.
- Shut off air conditioner or fans.
- Keep lights on so the house can be seen through the smoke by fire-fighters. They will probably go out anyway if there is a power outage.
Outside your home – ONLY if you have time
- Collect up all flammable items near the house and bring them indoors or into a garage. These could be outdoor patio furniture, doormats, sunshades, etc.
- Turn off your propane gas tanks. If the cylinders are going to be exposed to heat, hose them down with water to reduce the pressure.
- Turn off any running garden sprinklers.
- Connect hoses to water outlets and attach spray nozzles.
- Place buckets full of water around the house particularly near decking and fences.
- If you have a portable petrol-powered pump to take water from a swimming pool, tank or pond, make sure it is operational and in place.
- Leave a ladder available.
- Patrol the premises and extinguish any small ember fires.
- Leave exterior lights on.
- Unlock and open all gates to the premises.
