In a community news letter received today.
If an ember in December causes timber to ignite
& the burning leaves in gutters gives the neighborhood a fright
then you have to face the fact that some people never learn
but unprepared houses are probably going to burn.
So it's time to clean your gutters & clear rubbish from your yard
trim all overhanging branches so your property won't get scarred
store inflammable items a safe distance from your home
keep garden mulch away from your house & your grassy lawn well mown.
Pack medications, band aids & some ointments in a kit
buy a pack of brand new batteries so your torches are well lit
pack a bag of your spare clothing, make sure it's going to fit
then find a good location for your emergency bag to sit.
If leaving early is your plan, know when you're going to act
proper preparation means essentials should be packed
then when your trigger comes about & it's time to go
don't delay, don't second guess or make your move to slow.
Take your children, pets & valuables & put them in the car
drive to your evacuation point, it might be very far
once at your destination you know you will be safe
then listen to the radio for regular updates.
For those of you who choose to stay make sure you're well prepared
you do not want to end your day in confusion & real scared
access to a tank, dam or pool will help you in your fight
& gutters filled with water may aid you in your plight.
Do not rely on water mains, there is a chance they may run dry
if this happens to occur the result may be you'll fry
be prepared, have a plan, avoid a lot of strife
& remember defending your property is never worth your life.
When the fire is at your back fence & there are sirens in your street
and your day has turned unpleasant from the chaos & the heat
you may not have time to choose a plan that's safe & good
then you'll wish you planned ahead in the time you could.
So it's time to do your fire plan, to choose to stay or go
for when that fateful day arrives you surely need to know
take the time to do it now, do it while you can!
sit down with your family & do your fire plan.
