By Megan Haggan

THE ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) is urging Canberrans to develop home emergency plans to minimise risk from fire this bushfire season.
Minimising the amount of debris that could fuel fires is an important first step.
“This involves things like deciding, now, whether you will leave early if your area is in danger, or whether you would stay and defend your home; things like knowing the best evacuation routes out of your suburb,” says Darren Cutrupi, manager, media and community information at the ESA.
“I think the people of Canberra are still very aware of what happened six years ago – it’s something that will remain in their minds for a generation.
“The benefit of that is that people are, hopefully, more alert and aware of the preparations they need to undertake to protect themselves.”
According to Gareth Horton, managing director of rainwater solutions company Rain Harvesting, householders can prevent leaves and branches from settling in gutters in the first place.
Australian Standards recommend passive systems to prevent burning embers from entering a building or debris accumulating in a way that promotes ignition, he says.
“Passive systems include things like a fire-proof gutter mesh system and fire plugs that could save a home or even a life this summer,” he says.
Those without such systems need to clear away debris now, says Stuart Collins, ACT and Southern NSW executive director of the Housing Industry Association.
“Timber decks and balconies are a major fire risk and are a path into the main building for a fire,” he says. “If you are planning to install them, consider materials that will not burn, such as metal or concrete.
“Check your access to water supplies, which may include rainwater tanks, dams, swimming pools, as well as the mains. A sprinkler system connected to these supplies should be ready in case fire approaches.
“Do not store firewood against the walls or underneath the home, and make sure all doors have close-fitting screens.
“Keep grass close to all buildings cut short and remove fallen branches that could provide fire fuel.
“Plant trees and shrubs away from the home, as the resulting open space will create a fire break.
“Put screens over any chimneys to catch falling embers which otherwise will have a way straight into the interior.”
The ACT is predicted to have a similar bushfire season to last year, Darren Cutrupi says.
“There’s been a fair bit of grass growth across the ACT, especially on the western side, so we’re hoping for more rainfall over the summer period.
“Without more rain that grass will dry out, which is a cause for concern. A hot, dry summer is forecast, and hopefully, like last year, we won’t have any really bad winds.”
Home emergency plan worksheets can be downloaded from http://www.esa.act.gov.au.