Bush Fire Safety Checklist

Water supplies and firefighting equipment

Prepare your house for a bush fire by organising sufficient Water Supplies and Fire Fighting Equipment.

Things to consider include:

• Check water, taps and hoses. Ensure that hoses with metal fittings are long enough to reach all sides of house when attached to taps.
• Heavy duty hoses with wide-spray nozzles, if possible.
• Reserve water supplies from tank, dam, or swimming pool, if possible, since mains water will be in high demand.
• Try to store water during winter months.
• Gate valve fitted to water tank (a 38mm Storz coupling will assist the Rural Fire Brigade).
• Have gate valve to fit portable pump as well.
• Regularly check petrol or diesel portable pump, if you have one, to ensure it starts easily.
• Install a sprinkler system in your garden and on roofing, if affordable. Gather buckets (preferably metal), mops, spray backpack units, ladders, rakes and shovels in one place for ready access during a fire.
• Battery operated radio and torches in case of electricity failure.