The recent bushfires threatened to irrevocably change how Australians live their lives. It is now being called the ‘airpocalypse’ because of the disaster’s magnitude. City-dwellers were waking up to a heavy thick smoke or its presence around. Face masks and air filters became among the top sellers online or off. Whether this is going to be the norm every Summer, which is so depressing to think about, is anyone’s guess. Hopefully it will get better. Still, it is a good idea for all Australians to know more about bushfires.
Bushfires, also called wildfires or forest fires, are burning or igniting of bush, trees or whatever is flammable in their path. Bushfires can be devastating. But in the general scheme of things, they can also be important to the local ecosystems. Germination can directly benefit from smoke from these bushfires. Some plants need heat and smoke in order to reproduce and germinate.
Bushfires sometimes are started deliberately. But when they are not, they can be caused by any of the following:
- Lightning contributes to a fourth of the bushfires. The warm air and cold front can create thunderstorms and charge up what becomes lightning that starts the fire.
- Agricultural / intentional fires which farmers sometimes use to clear land for planting. When not in check they can create large bad bushfires that can get out of control and become destructive.
- Accidental fires can sometimes be the result of car crashes that ends up in flames and start a massive fire. It usually happens during the summer months where the ground, grass and trees get very dry and intensifies kindling to any spark. Downed electrical cables have also been known to cause fires. It may be too late to call an emergency electrician once a fire has started.
- Human carelessness can also be a factor. Those long drive or hiking trips and you just can’t stop smoking and throw your stubs wherever. Or camping in the woods and your campfire hasn’t been put out properly.
Australian Bushfires The Worst In History
They say that bushfires are worse now because of global warming / climate change and the recent dry seasons have been incendiary. Always conduct preventive measures on your home and property. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Australian Bushfires Set to Return Next Southern Summer: Consider Safety Tips
Australia Bushfire Season of 2019, also known as the Black Summer Season, will probably return next southern summer, and the inhabitants could not be more afraid.
The fire started from September 2019 and continued until March 2020. It adversely impacted the different areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Capital Territory. About 5900 buildings, of which 2779 were residential properties, were completely destroyed. 34 people and one billion animals, including a few endangered species, died.
To mitigate the damages in the future, the government laid down a few essential safety measures. Now almost every Sydney household has a smoke alarm installed, thus, are alert always. For further information, please go through the rest of the write-up.
- Develop a survival plan that will allow you to assess what exactly is viable, staying in or going out. Keep all the substantial information regarding bushfires such as phone numbers, websites, and applications at a close proximity.
- Know which areas are most at risk. If you live somewhere surrounded by bushes, you have to be extremely careful. The fires are intense and can hurl burning cinders towards your house.
The grassland areas also lie in the danger zone. The grass fires tend to start all of a sudden and spread within a short period. Be prepared; otherwise, a major portion of the land will end up being a pile of ash.
You must also maintain caution in case you live somewhere near the coastal areas. Fires that start or reach the coast are immensely hot and move quite quickly. The hills are not secure because, for ten degrees of slope, the flames almost double in speed.
The people on the farm or living near the paddocks must undertake protection no matter what. Fires can spread at a faster pace over the great distances. So, please be aware.
3. Get an emergency kit that contains necessary items such as a battery-operated radio, medications, waterproof torch, candles with waterproof matches, cash and credit cards in a waterproof bag, cell phone, woolen blankets, pocket knife, toiletries, spare clothes, drinking water, and important photographs and documentation.
4. Let the pets stay inside the house so you can find them easily during evacuation. Get an emergency kit ready for your furry companions. It must contain a cage, basket, or leash, dietary supplements, medicines, some toys that will alleviate stress, drinking water, and food items.
5. Put on protective clothing so that the fire does not affect your skin in any way. Denim jeans, leather shoes or boots, long-sleeved woolen or cotton shirts are considered the best. The eyes will be safe with goggles and wear a mask because the smoke can have an adverse effect on your lungs.
6. Identify the safe areas in the neighborhood. The people whose houses are destroyed due to the fire can seek refuge out here. They will be provided with basic amenities.
Australia’s 2019 bushfires were the worst ever, and none of the people wish to experience it ever again. To enhance the safety quotient, implementing the aforementioned measures with utmost diligence is mandatory.
