Bushfires are a natural part of the Australian environment, yet many Australians fail to prepare for them. There are currently 80 fires burning in Queensland and 50 across New South Wales (NSW), with 21 fires unconfined. Residents in Peregian Beach, Peregian Breeze Estate and south of Lake Weyba have been advised to evacuate as a bushfire heads in a north, north-westerly direction from Peregian Beach.
Historically, bushfires have caused loss of life and significant damage to property in Australia.
According to the Australian government, in the years between 1967 and 2013, major Australian bushfires have resulted in over 8000 injuries and 433 fatalities.
This is close to 50 percent of all deaths from major Australian natural disasters in the period (excluding heatwaves).
But while naturally occurring bushfires cannot be averted, their consequences can be minimised by preparing.
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- Clean leaves from gutters, roofs and downpipes regularly, and fit quality metal leaf guards.
- Mow your grass regularly, both in the front and back yards.
- Install fine steel wire mesh screens on all windows, doors, vents and weep holes.
- Fit metal NOT plastic fly screens on windows and doors.
- Enclose open areas under your decks and floors.
- Seal all gaps in external roof and wall cladding.
- When installing LPG cylinders around your home, make sure that pressure relief valves face outwards so that flame is not directed towards the house.
- Keep your backyard tidy, free from any build up of flammable material.
- Relocate any flammable items away from your home including woodpiles, paper, boxes, crates, hanging baskets and garden furniture.
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