Are you ready for bushfire season?

It's August - which means Sunshine Coast’s bushfire season is here. Council has been getting ready by doing hazard reduction burns across the coast – but are you prepared? 

Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Management Lead Wayne Sunderland is encouraging our residents to familiarise themselves with understanding fire weather and how to prepare and protect your family and property.

“While bushfires can happen at any time of the year, Sunshine Coast’s peak time is during late spring to early summer, with danger increasing after a dry winter.

“When we have strong, hot and dry, westerly winds, the worst conditions are along the coast,” Mr Sunderland said.

“During periods of drought and in very hot, windy weather, even green foliage and large trees can become dry and flammable.

“It’s important for residents right across the Sunshine Coast – no matter where they live – to prepare their property and business during bushfire season this August.

“Bushfires don’t just occur in the bush. They can impact anyone, anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.

“There are a few steps you need to take to make sure you’re prepared.”

Know your risk

Bushfire prone areas should be self-reliant to ensure their safety. You are likely to be at a heightened risk of bushfires if you:

•  live within a few kilometres of bushland
• your local area has a bushfire history
• you have trees and shrubs within 20 metres of your house
• your home is built on a slope.

To find out about your home’s level of risk, check the Rural Fire Service post code checker.

Prepare your household

It’s important that your household has a bushfire survival plan so everyone knows what to do in the event of a bushfire.

You can create one with your family at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ Bushfire website.

If a fire is on its way, you may have as little as five minutes to leave your home safely.

Now is the time to pack an evacuation kit for every member of your household, so you’re able to leave at a moment’s notice.

Find out what essential items your evacuation kit should include at www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires.

Prepare your property

An unprepared property is not only hard to defend and save, it also presents an increased danger for neighbours.

• Clear leaves, twigs and other debris from your roof and gutters
• Remove dead leaves and branches from the ground
• Trim low-lying branches two metres from the ground surrounding your home
• Conduct maintenance checks on pumps, generators and water systems
• Mow your grass regularly
• Display a prominent house or lot number and ensure there is access for fire trucks
• Check your insurance policy is up-to-date and call your insurer to make sure you have adequate cover.

Tune into warnings

Stay informed by tuning in to your local radio station, visiting Council’s Disaster Hub and visiting www.qfes.qld.gov.au.

Working together we can ensure a coordinated, strong, resilient Sunshine Coast.