THE powers that be have given us fair warning.
Fire season is likely to be brutal. We should not only prepare our properties from potential disaster by keeping grass short and yards tidy but also have a “what if” plan.
There is science behind these warnings.
A research paper released last week shows European scientists have developed a weather prediction system showing that everywhere in the world can expect the years from 2018 to 2022 to be abnormally hot. That means more heat waves and more fires.
Experts here say it is bad news for Australia where many areas can no longer rely on rain as protection. Suddenly global warming has become local. It is no longer look a problem for future generations.
For some, this may translate into more than “what if”. The starting point, say experts, is making a firm decision about when to stay and protect your property and when to leave your stuff and get out.
Do you wait until you see flames or smoke or do you rely on emergency services announcements or Facebook to let you know when it really is time to go?
You may have a long list of possessions you consider irreplaceable, but other members of your household could have different ideas – running around trying to collect precious items could put lives at risk.
Australians are fighters when faced with natural hazards but not all of us are firefighters. No matter how many buckets, fire extinguishers and garden hoses you have, sometimes the safest option is to leave. This can be a problem if you live somewhere with limited exit roads and everyone else waited until the last minute to get out.
Fire authorities have identified NSPs (neighbourhood safer places) where people can go if escape proves problematic. NSPs are open areas. The do not guarantee protection from a fire. They are places of last resort.
Having a “what if” plan is sound advice but it’s a good idea to write it down and make sure everyone agrees on it.