FIREWISE YOU CAN USE
7 ::Develop an action plan
Every household and family is different, with different skills and levels of preparedness and this is why each household needs to develop an individual survival plan. Be alert to what is happening in your area on a hot summer day. Be on the lookout for fire activity and report any fire immediately - house or veldfire - to the 107 central emergency number (021 - 480 7715) from a cellphone).
The risk of losing life or property during a veldfire is influenced by:
- The location and accessibility of your property
- The amount and type of surrounding vegetation
- The condition and placement of buildings
- The availability of water
- Your physical and equipment capabilities
8 ::Good housekeeping can help beat the veldfire
The ferocity of the fire front is influenced by the weather, the slope of the ground and the amount of fuels, such as long dry grass, fallen leaves or combustible materials. Ideally you should reduce the amount of fire fuel for 20-30 meters around your house. Reducing the fire hazards can make it safer for you to stay and defend your home. A well-maintained garden will reduce the fire intensity around your house and a well-watered lawn helps slow down the fire's progress.
9 ::Preventative steps
- Remove dry twigs, leaves from gutters and hanging plants from the periphery of the house.
- Create a fire break on your property bordering with the fire-risk area.
- LP gas cylinders should be correctly positioned away from doors, drains, windows or any area where gas can accumulate. If in doubt obtain information from your local fire department or gas supplier.
- Keep firewood piles and compost heaps away from building walls or vegetation.
- Prune overhanging tree branches. Remove invading alien plants entirely and replace with indigenous, more fire-resistant varieties. Firescape your garden.
- Ensure that your roof is well sealed, that corrugated iron is firmly attached, that tiles are securely placed and that joints are sealed and anchored.
- Remove electrical wiring from trees and bushes where possible. Alternatively, cut back the branches.
- Clear all access routes to and around your house. Keep them clear.
- Ensure that fire hydrants remain unobstructed at all times, especially by parked vehicles. Tampering with hydrants can delay the firefighters' response time.
- Ensure that wooden decks, pergolas and thatched gazebos are treated with fire-retardant and do not house any combustible materials,
- Trim grass under wooden structures such as sundecks.
- Do not burn refuse or garden waste at all unless authorised to do so.
- Develop a mutual action plan with your neighbours for a fire emergency.
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