It is the responsibility of every South Australian to ensure that they are adequately prepared for a Bushfire and know what to do should one occur. The District Council of Grant and the SA Country Fire Service strongly urge the use of a Bushfire Action Plan.
Information pamphlets on this are available from the Council Office, Port MacDonnell Community Complex or by contacting your local Council Fire Prevention Officer on (08) 8721 0444.
Winter
- Remove dead vegetation from around the home and prune lower limbs of trees
- Obtain Council permit to burn off garden waste, or dispose of the material through mulching, or at a Council Waste Transfer Station
- Ember-proof the home, eg check roof space for loose tiles and gaps and repair as necessary
Spring
- Slash or mow long grass and remove cut material (unless it can rot down before summer)
- Remove weeds around sheds and fences
- Cut back trees overhanging the roof
- Remove fallen branches and other debris
- Check and service all mechanical equipment, including grass cutters, water pumps, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers
- Remove leaves from gutters
- Review and update your Bushfire Survival Plan
Summer
- Maintain a 20-metre fuel reduction zone around your home (greater if on a slope)
- Clear around trees
- Remove leaves from the gutters
- Slash stubble near sheds/buildings
- Check reserve water supplies
- Rehearse your Bushfire Survival Plan with your family
- Prepare evacuation kit
- Ensure you have a portable battery-powered radio to hear bushfire warnings
- Monitor fire restrictions
Autumn
- Remove undergrowth and dead vegetation
- Seek Council permission for a burn-off
- Check for any fire hazards and remove