Summer in Australia… She’ll be right mate!​

Don’t be complacent when preparing for summer storms, bushfires or floods, “she’ll be right mate” will not help in times of danger.

There are simple things you can do to help protect you, your loved ones and your property:

• Keep overhanging trees cut back away from the house, clear debris and long grass from your property’s perimeter and if you live in a flood zone, have clear drainage channels and sandbags at hand.
• Have a disaster and evacuation plan in place. You can even make this a family project and involve your children. Run a mock evacuation or preparation, give them jobs to do and teach them about the importance of safety and what you want them to do in an emergency situation.

• Have your important documents in one place so you can easily grab them if you need to evacuate. Also have them sealed in a waterproof container or zip-lock bag. Think birth certificates, insurance policies, passports, medical information and photos.
• Keep a list of important phone numbers handy.
• Have a storm and emergency kit packed and easily accessible. Remember things like power and water can be cut for days.
• Check at the beginning of each season that your gutters are clear, storm drains in place and free of debris, water pumps are in working order and you know how to turn off gas lines etc.

Below are a few items to have ready:

• Battery operated radio – it’s essential for keeping updated.
• Battery operated torch.
• Spare batteries.
• Face masks to aid breathing during a bush fire.
• Mobile phone – use your mobile phone only in emergencies to prolong battery life and to assist with congestion on phone networks. Remember cordless phones do not work without power.
• Portable mobile charger.
• First aid kit and knowing how to use it can save lives.
• Can opener.
• Tinned and other non-perishable food.
• Fresh drinking water.
• Essential medications.
• Waterproof matches.
• Self-contained cooking facilities including gas cylinders or coals & firelighters.
• Fuel or gas lamp.
• Filled water containers.
• Supplies for infants including formula, baby food, nappies and wipes if required.
• Special food for elderly or disabled members of the family if required.
• Toiletries including toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Food and medications for your pets and newspapers for their sanitary needs.
• Food for your pets and carrier cages for if you need to evacuate.
• If you are on an isolated property, a generator can also be a handy item to have available.

Something often overlooked is a tin of paint and a brush, if there’s a chance that your property could become isolated, painting a sign on the roof will assist emergency services.

If you need help with drainage systems, gas fittings, electrical needs or have any questions, please call Plumbspec today on 0417 555 325.

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