Australia is no stranger to the devastating impact of bushfires, which pose significant threats to life, property, and the environment.
The 2019-2020 bushfire season, known as Black Summer, was one of the most catastrophic and devastating fire seasons on record in Australia. Many parts of Australia experienced significant fires of uncontrollable dimension as a result of exceptionally hot and dry conditions and a lack of soil moisture. With fires from June 2019 to May 2020, 24.3 million hectares burned, over 3,000 buildings were destroyed and 34 people lost their lives.
With our harsh Australian conditions, it becomes increasingly crucial for residents in fire-prone areas to ensure their homes and properties are prepared for the threat of fire. This commentary looks into the essential equipment households should consider having to provide protection and mitigate risk. For area specific requirements, make sure you contact your local fire authority.
Water pumps and storage –
- Having an adequate water storage on your property is vital. A water tank, swimming pool or dam can provide a much needed resource during a bushfire or even home fire.
- Invest in a reliable pump and generator to ensure easy access to water during both bushfires and power outages. At Able Sales we stock a range of Garpen water pumps that are also suited for firefighting. Available in both diesel and petrol models, all models are equipped with time-proven high-performance engines, housed in portable and robust protective frames. Our range of Able GEN portable inverter, petrol and diesel generators are a perfect companion to provide home back up power and an emergency power source during bushfires or other extreme weather events.
- Install sprinkler systems and/or ensure you have an adequate amount of heavy duty hoses that can reach all areas of your property for dousing flames and wetting down structures.
Fire-resistant building materials –
- If you are building a new property, it is now a requirement in many areas that you build with fire resistant materials for roofing, walls and decks, this also includes using non-combustible materials such as concrete, brick and steel.
- Install ember guards in vents and gutter guards to stop leaf and debris build up.
Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and fire blankets –
- Install quality smoke alarms in bedrooms, hallways and living areas, ensuring they are tested and have batteries replaced regularly.
- Keep multiple fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout your home, especially in the kitchen, garage, and near potential ignition sources and ensure family members know how to use them.
- Fire blankets placed throughout the home and in garages and sheds are crucial to smother small fires and wrap around individuals for protection.
Generators, Portable Power Stations, tools, equipment and clothing –
- Ensure you have tools to clear brush, trim trees and remove other debris.
- Equip yourself with rakes, shovels, and chainsaws for creating firebreaks and reducing fuel loads.
- Have a supply of fire-resistant clothing, boots, gloves, head protection, eye protection and N95 face masks.
- During an emergency, make sure all of your communication devices such as mobile phones and laptops are fully charged so you can contact fire authorities, family and neighbours. The portable Able GEN generator range allow for easy charging of devices and equipment. The Able PAK portable power stations can help as an Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) to ensure devices such as fridges, UHF radios and WiFi routers stay active during intermittent power disruptions.
- Make sure your vehicles have a full tank of fuel and/or are fully charged allowing for quick evacuation.
- Prepare an evacuation supplies including food, water, medications, clothing and important documents such as passports, birth certificates, wills and insurance documents. Consider having a “Go Bag” prepared with these contents.
We encourage everyone to get involved in local community fire preparedness events, as your local authorities will always have the most up to date advice and local knowledge to keep both you and your loved ones safe.
Able GEN and Able PRO Fire Protection Equipment
