Bush fire survival and the Hierarchy of Control
Bush fire survival and the Hierarchy of Control.
There should be no doubt that the summer months in Australia mean increased risk of bush fire. Fire agencies like the NSW Rural Fire Service have advised of actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of death and property loss due to bush fire. See information here. I have categorised the steps proposed into the hierarchy of control elements as we know that the higher order controls are usually the more effective in controlling risk.
Elimination
Leave early
Elimination of fuel sources around the home (like vegetation)
Turn of gas supply
As a fire approaches move furniture away from windows (protect against radiant heat)
Do not get on roof to hose down embers (increased risk of fall)
Substitution
Substitute combustible materials for non-combustible like steel fences for wooden fences rock mulch for wood chip on garden beds
Engineering
Eliminate gaps in house structure where embers can enter
Ensure emergency vents from gas storages are facing away from building
Block drain pipes and fill gutters with water
Close all windows and vents into the house
Soak towels and rugs and lay across external doorways
Administration
Fill bathtub, sinks and buckets with water
Place ladder in roof access hole to allow checking for spot fires
Ensure the most valuable or important items are in a location that can be quickly gathered and taken with you, items like passports, hard drives and small valuables
Immediately after fire has passed check property for spot fires and check on neighbors
PPE
If actively defending your property wear full length cotton clothing, wide brimmed hat (protection from embers hitting face), sturdy footwear, eye protection, leather gloves and P1 respirator
Like most things there is complexity and usually one solution does not fit all situations, but it is about reducing the risk as far as possible. When evaluating overall risks, individuals may need to consider additional factors for example, road access ways (is there only one road out of the neighborhood and is this road likely to become blocked by falling trees or congested traffic or are there multiple roads which are likely to remain clear).
While you may not be able to totally eliminate the risk of loss to your property, when bad fire conditions are expected, I like the NSW Rural Fire Service am an advocate of leaving as early possible as being your safest choice for survival. Simply for my family that means in severe, extreme or catastrophic fire conditions we have already left our home and are at a safe location. A link to the fire danger rating can be found here.
