25/11/01
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts today urged people living in bush fire prone areas to start preparing their homes against fire.
Launching 'SummerSafe Sunday' in Glen Forrest , Mrs Roberts said it was now time for the community to take action and clean up around their homes in readiness for the bush fire season.
"It is vital that people assume responsibility for carrying out their own fire prevention measures to help protect themselves, their families, their property and the environment from fire," she said.
"With this summer looming as a potentially hazardous one for bush fires, it is particularly important that people begin these preparations now rather putting it off any longer."
Mrs Roberts said the Bushfire Ready program would be a major initiative in this year's SummerSafe campaign, with trained facilitators arranging meetings with groups of local residents who live in streets at risk of bush fire.
"The facilitators will provide people with helpful advice on personal fire safety, preparing the home for bush fire, and risk identification," she said.
"These groups, known as Bushfire Ready Action Groups or 'BRAG', will also provide a medium for people to learn how fire behaves and its potential to destroy lives and homes.
"Armed with this knowledge, homeowners are far better able to develop survival strategies for themselves and their families if a bush fire strikes."
Mrs Roberts said fire authorities were urging people to take the following action:
- cut back grass to no more than 5cm high;
- trim branches overhanging the house and power lines and close to windows and glass doors;
- clear away all leaves and debris from roof gutters;
- ensure flammable materials are stored away from the house;
- install a roof top sprinkler system; and -
- provide easy access for firefighting vehicles.
Anyone seeking more information about bush fire safety, or wishing to inquire about forming a Bushfire Ready Action Group, can contact FESA on 9323 9302, or telephone their local fire brigade.
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600
