Bushfire Checklist
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HOUSE AND PROPERTY PREPARATIONS
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| Non-flammable areas (paths, driveways, lawns) installed around the home | |
| Vegetable gardens, orchards and dams located on fire prone side of home | |
| Wood piles, rubbish heaps and other fuels removed to a safe distance | |
| High flammability plants replaced by low flammability plants | |
| Lower branches of trees in inner zone pruned | |
| Flammable shrubs under and between trees in inner zone removed | |
| Shrubs and small trees in outer zone selectively removed | |
| All vegetation under trees in the outer zone removed to a height of at least 2 metres | |
| Roof and gutters cleared of leaf debris | |
| Dry leaves and bark removed from lawns and gardens in the inner and outer zone | |
| Areas under decks and floors enclosed | |
| Vents into roof spaces screened with fine wire mesh | |
| Gaps in external roof and wall cladding sealed | |
| WATER SUPPLIES AND FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT PREPARATIONS | |
| Firefighting water supply available (reticulated or min. 20,000 litres static supply) | |
| Firefighting pump, hoses and nozzles, buckets, mop, rake available | |
| Ladder, torch available | |
| Battery operated radio available | |
| PERSONAL PROTECTION | |
| Bushfire plan prepared and well understood by all | |
| Long trousers & long sleeved shirt (cotton or wool) for all who are staying | |
| Sturdy leather boots & leather or cotton gloves for all who are staying | |
| A helmet or wide brimmed hat with neck strap for all who are staying | |
| Close fitting goggles or other protective eye wear for all who are staying | |
| A face mask or handkerchief to tie over the nose or mouth for all who are staying | |
| First aid kit available | |
| Adequate drinking water supplies | |
| ACTION WHEN FIRE BREAKS OUT IF LEAVING | |
| Pack planned belongings into car and leave in accordance with bushfire plan, if safe to do so - many hours before the fire arrives | |
| PREPARATIONS WHEN FIRE BREAKS OUT, IF STAYING | |
| Prepare fire pump and attach garden hoses to taps | |
| Remove garden furniture, door mats and other flammable items from adjacent to home | |
| Check roof and gutters for leaf debris and clear | |
| Plug all down pipes (using sock filled with sand/soil), and fill gutters with water | |
| Fill baths, sinks and buckets with water | |
| Remove dry leaves and bark from lawns, gardens, decks, patios, etc | |
| Close all doors, windows and window shutters | |
| Ensure all family members and pets are safe | |
| Place wet towels and blankets against gaps under doors and windows | |
| Dress in appropriate clothing and drink water frequently | |
| For news of the fire's progress, listen to ABC Local Radio or access www.fire.tas.gov.au | |
| IF LEAVING BEFORE THE FIRE ARRIVES | |
| Pack planned belongings into car and leave in accordance with bushfire plan, if safe to do so - many hours before the fire arrives | |
| WHEN THE FIRE ARRIVES | |
| Extinguish sparks, embers and spot fires close to home | |
| When too hot to stay outside, go into the house to protect yourself from radiant heat | |
| Take firefighting equipment, ladder, hose and fittings inside | |
| Connect hose to laundry tap | |
| Frequently check inside the house and in the roof cavity (using the ladder) for any fires | |
| Extinguish any fires that break out inside | |
| AFTER THE FIRE HAS PASSED | |
| Go outside as soon as possible and use water to extinguish any fires posing an immediate threat to your home | |
| Patrol your property for several hours and douse any embers that land on or near your home | |
| Check the roof cavity frequently from inside your home for any fires | |
| Drink water frequently to avoid dehydration | |
| Help your neighbours if possible | |
This is a guide only.
More information:
For more information about how to prepare yourself and your home for a bushfire, read the Tasmania Fire Service brochures Bushfire Prepare to Survive, Using Fire Outdoors, Fire Retardant Garden Plants or watch the DVD Bushfire Prepare to Survive.
