Get ready for bushfire season

by Oct 28, 2019News

Australia is a dry land for the most part and this makes bushfires run wild, so it is essential for those in areas where bushfires can threaten homes to be well versed on what to do in the event of such an occurrence.

Preparing for bushfire season requires planning and Austates has put together a checklist to make it easy for those who live in the hinterland and rural areas to prepare for summer.

Preparing the home

Well prepared homes are more likely to survive bushfires. Even if you are evacuated and you plan to leave early, a well-prepared home is more likely to survive a bush fire or ember attack. It also makes it easier for firefighters to defend in the event of a fire. Be sure to:

  • Install metal gutter guards 
  • Clean gutters thoroughly 
  • Repair or replace damaged tiles on the roof
  • Fill gaps around doors and windows
  • Enclose the area underneath the home 
  • Attach an effective fire sprinkler system to gutters
  • Keep your grass well-trimmed as well as the garden 
  • Sweep up fallen leaves and twigs as these are excellent for starting fires
  • Ensure your home and contents insurance is up to date
  • Sign pools or static dams correctly so firefighters know where they can get water if need be

Preparing yourself and family

 

 

Preparing for bushfires isn’t just about cleaning up around the house either, it’s about considering the physical, emotional and mental effect that devastating natural disasters can have. There’s no doubt a bushfire can be a terrifying situation. Strong winds with intense heat which will make you extremely tired, very quickly. The thick smoke will choke you and make your eyes sting while they water profusely. The roaring sound of a fire approaching is something out of a horror movie. Embers will rain down, fires will ignite from them alone and it gets very dark from the smoke, even if it’s in the middle of the day. It is a terrifying situation and if your family has children, elderly or disabled peoples, leaving early is always the best option. It is important to know your risk. Do not, under any circumstances, underestimate bushfires.

Austates has thankfully never fallen victim to one of Australia’s deadliest natural disasters, but we know how we can help. We have in-house manufacturing facilities that allow us to build you a firefighting unit to suit your needs exactly. Whether it be a small tank with high-pressure pump for ember attack or a larger lift-off unit for high volume applications. If you live in an area which may be more rural than others and feel you need to take matters into your own hands to save your own home or those around you, Austates is happy to help convert your tray back ute into a rural fire fighting truck, or supply a small trailer unit for behind your ride-on mower

Contact Austates today to find out what your options are.

We’ve just given you a big list of things you can do to extend the life of your canopy, but there’s definitely a list of things not to do. Just because an aluminium canopy looks clean, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s being cleaned properly. There are many trailer washes out there that contain phosphates and other harsh chemicals which will eventually start to corrode your aluminium canopy if used repeatedly. Washes that are acidic are a big no-no for canopies. This is why we recommend CT18. It’s pH neutral and phosphate-free. We build our canopies to last, and while aluminium won’t rust, it can oxidise and develop a dull, yellowish layer that needs to be cleaned regularly.

If you want more information on how to maintain and look after your brand spanking new Austates ute canopy, don’t hesitate to drop us a line. If you’re old-school: 07 3272 7888. If you’re new-school, use our contact form located here!