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Bushfire preparedness
The Shire has a dedicated page for bushfire preparedness, response and recovery at Engage Mundaring.
Visit this page for information to assist you to prepare your property and yourself for an emergency.
My Bushfire Plan
Do you and your family know what to do in the event of a bush fire? Do you have a bushfire safety plan prepared and an emergency kit packed?
The My Bushfire Plan app is a bushfire preparedness tool, providing you with one place to prepare, store, share and update your bushfire plan anytime, from any device.
Features included:
- Helps you determine the safest plan for you.
- Complete a step-by-step plan in your own time tailored to you, and save it for the future.
- Create an account so you can access the plan on the web or on other phones.
- Ability to share your plan with your family.
- Check seasonal reminders to help you and your family prepare for bushfire season.
- Receive notifications for important seasonal reminders to help you prepare.
- When your plan is ready you can access it offline, whenever you need it.
Developed by the DFES, you can download the app to your phone (through Google Play or App Store), or complete the plan via the My Bushfire Plan website.
My Bushfire Plan
Emergency WA
The Emergency WA website has a map-based display with the best available emergency information from across the State.
Emergency WA provides current warning alerts for fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, hazardous material incidents and traffic crashes.
Visit Emergency WA
View Fire Danger Ratings
Bush Fire Safety Information SMS Tool
You can subscribe to a free Bush Fire Safety Information SMS notification service.
This service enables residents to be directly informed about changes to:
- Burning periods
- Fire Danger Ratings on days of Very High or above
- Total Fire Bans
- Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans
- Cancellation of burning permits
- Other fire information all year round.
Register for Bushfire SMS Notification
Disclaimer: Bush Fire Warnings are not included in this subscription/service
Emergency alerts will be sent from the Emergency Broadcast Network to notify people in affected areas by SMS/landline. (Note, you no longer have to register to receive notifications from the Emergency Broadcast Network.)
Do not rely the Shire's Bush Fire Safety Information SMS notification in the event of a bush fire emergency. Leaving early is the safest option.
For up to date information on incidents and warnings visit Emergency WA or for all emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance) call 000.
During an Emergency
When a bushfire starts, things can change in a matter of minutes.
By being alert and following official warnings on Emergency WA closely, you and your family have the best chance to act early and leave for a safer place.
In the event of a local incident, an Emergency Alert may be sent via the national telephone warning system - voice messages will be sent to landlines and text messages to mobile phones.
If you decide to stay and defend your property, be aware that this will take enormous effort, both physically and emotionally, and you need to be very well prepared.
Trying to leave when it’s too late is extremely dangerous.
Emergency FAQs
Who can I contact for information on the emergency?
For life threatening emergencies call 000
SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
Visit the Emergency WA website
Call DFES (recorded emergency information): 13 33 37
Other information sources:
- Listen to ABC Radio Perth on 720 AM
- Download the ABC Listen app here
- Follow the DFES Facebook page here
- For community updates, follow the Shire of Mundaring Facebook page.
What do the colours mean on the warning areas?
Go to Emergency WA to check live Warning area updates.
As part of a new Australian Warning System, the way we display incidents has changed.
How you receive warnings may not change, but the wording, colours and call to action may be different to what you’re used to, as this system is implemented across Australia.
Visit Australian Warning System for more information.
There are three warning levels:
Advice (Yellow):
An incident has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
Watch and Act (Orange):
There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
Emergency Warning (Red):
An Emergency Warning is the highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.
Evacuation
When should I evacuate?
Warning areas can change rapidly and you may need to evacuate suddenly, you can use the 'locate me' function on Emergency WA to check if you are in a warning area and what action you need to take.
Emergency Alerts are sent from +61 444 444 444 to notify people in affected areas by SMS/landline.
You do not need to register to receive these notifications.
Do not rely on this system as messages may not be received for multiple reasons, remember that leaving early is the safest option.
REMEMBER: No warning system is foolproof! If there is a bushfire in your area, put your Bushfire Plan into place immediately rather than waiting for a warning text because you may not get one.
Where is the evacuation centre?
When an Evacuation Centre is activated details will be released via https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/.
The Shire will endeavour to share this information via its normal communication channels.
Where are animals evacuated to?
Pets, and other animals, generally cannot stay at evacuation centres - follow the RSPCA's Animal Emergency Plan to take them to safer place.
For evacuation venue contact details and a WA Racing Industry Bushfire Emergency Information Kit, visit the Racing and Wagering Western Australia page here
If you are concerned about the welfare of injured or stranded animals (or residents who cannot return home) can contact the Shire on 9290 6666 and press option 8 to speak to an operator. Shire staff will put you in touch with agencies and/or vets who can help.
Can I stay and defend my home?
If you stay to defend your home, you need to be prepared to do this alone. There are not enough resources to task an appliance to every property, and a great number of fire fighters will be required on the frontline.
However, it is much safer to stay in your home than to flee as a fire approaches.
What you need to consider:
- It is also highly likely that the water and electricity to your property will be shut off.
- You will need to put in huge physical and mental efforts for many hours to actively defend your property before, during and after a fire.
- Conditions will be unbearably hot.
- Your home is your best protection in a bushfire ONLY if it is well constructed, maintained and prepared.
- Most homes lost in bushfires are set alight by burning embers. Burning embers are around before, during, and up to several hours after the fire front has passed your property. So be prepared to put out spot fires caused by embers and you may save your home and other buildings.
REMEMBER: that waiting to leave until the very last minute is extremely dangerous. You will face smoke, noise, heat, flames, panic on the roads and emergency service vehicles dealing with the fire.
Sheltering your home
This should be your last option.
Bushfires are very unpredictable, so even if you don’t intend to stay and defend your property, you need to be well prepared to shelter in your home when plans fail and you can no longer leave safely.
- Remain in your home while the fire front is passing, and shelter in a room furthest from the fire front.
- Make sure the room has at least two ways to get outside, and has a water supply.
- People have died sheltering in rooms without a second exit door. Seal all doors and windows as best as possible.
- Let people know you are staying, if they are expecting you to leave. Soak towels and rugs in water, and lay them along the inside of external doorways.
- Soak woollen blankets and keep them handy for protection against radiant heat.
- Take down curtains and push furniture away from windows.
- Get down low to limit your exposure to smoke. Put out any spot fires on your property.
- Remember to check your roof cavity for any spot fires.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Wear long sleeves, long trousers and leather boots in case you need to leave.
- If you have to evacuate Shelter for as long as possible. But if your home catches fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you should leave to avoid toxic smoke and fumes.
- Leave through the exit door furthest from the approaching fire.
- The majority of people die in a bushfire from radiant heat, so wear protective clothing and go to an area that has already been burnt.
Safer places in bushfire
Your bushfire survival plan should identify a place where you and your family can go to shelter as a last resort when it’s no longer safe to stay and actively defend your home. Consider places such as a local open space, a dam or a beach. Remember that safer places do not guarantee safety in all circumstances. Safer places may not provide shelter from bushfire elements such as flying embers and heat.
Should I be worried about smoke?
Anyone with an urgent smoke-related health condition should seek medical attention by dialling 000.
People with other medical conditions or who are feeling unwell due to the smoke impact are advised to contact their GP or health direct on 1800 022 222.
Elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory and heart conditions need to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to bushfire smoke and smoke haze as it can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions, cause coughing, shortness of breath, irritate eyes, nose and throat.
People with a heart condition or lung problems, should make sure they always have at least five days’ worth of medication if there is a bushfire nearby.
For more information, find advice from Department of Health here.
Evaporative air conditioners
If you live within 500 metres of bushland and have a roof-mounted evaporative air conditioning unit, your home may be at increased risk of ember attack.
- Embers are pieces of burning bark, leaves or twigs carried by the wind during a bushfire.
- Embers can get into your air conditioning unit and start a fire in your roof space that spreads rapidly throughout your home.
- An ember protection screen can reduce your risk and help save your property. Take action when there is smoke nearby Run the air conditioner to wet the filter pads.
- Switch the unit off when smoke is over your home or ash starts to drop around your house.
- If possible, continue to run water over the filter with the fan turned off. If water can’t be run on its own, or there’s a power failure, wet the filter pads using a garden hose.
- Keep checking your air conditioner and the area around your home for spot fires from embers until the danger has passed.
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After a bushfire
In the wake of a bushfire, it can be incredibly daunting to return home. It's difficult to anticipate what you will find.
- If you have been given the all-clear to return by emergency services, you need to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself and your family for the changes to your home and community.
- If you live alone, you may want to bring someone with you when you first return to provide support through this difficult time.
- Even after a fire has passed, there is a risk of flareups.
- It is important to keep up to date and follow instructions.
- Visit Emergency WA, DFES Facebook or call the DFES emergency information line on 13 DFES (13 3337).
- Updates will also be provided through your local ABC radio.
When your home is lost or damaged
This information will point you in the right direction for emergency accommodation and advice on securing your home.
During this time, it is very important to look after your wellbeing. Refer to the wellbeing section on the DFES website for tips and links to support organisations.
Where can I access welfare assistance?
Anyone requiring immediate welfare assistance should contact the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.
Who can I contact for support for me or my family?
Support and Wellbeing Services
Anglicare- 1300 11 44 46
Beyond Blue- 1300 224 636
Centrecare- 9325 6644
Centrelink- 132 850
Crisis Care- 9223 1111
Department for Child Protection- 0418 943 835 or 9222 2555
Head to Health Midland- 1800 161 178
Helping Minds- 9427 7100
Kids Help Line- 1800 55 1800
Lifeline- 13 11 14
Lifeline, Bushfire Hotline- 13 43 57
MensLine- 1300 78 99 78
Mental Health Treatment Plan- can be accessed through your GP Red Cross- 9225 8888
Relationships Australia- 1300 364 277
Rise Midland- 6274 3700
RSPCA WA- 9209 9300
State Emergency Services- 132 500
The Salvation Army- 9260 9500
The Samaritans- 9381 5725
Wildcare Helpline- 9497 9055
Utilities and roads
Alinta Gas- 13 13 58
Kleenheat Gas- 13 21 80
Main Roads WA- 138 138
Telstra- 13 22 03
Water Corporation- 13 13 85
Western Power- 13 10 87
Who can I contact for legal and insurance advice?
Legal Aid Info Line- 1300 650 579
Insurance Council of Australia- 1300 728 228
What hazards should I be aware of when returning to my property?
Once the area is deemed safe to return to, there are still some potential hazards that you will need to be wary of.
For more information on bushfire hazards on your property see the Healthy WA website.
Where can I access clean drinking water?
If you live in a bushfire affected area your private drinking water could be contaminated from debris, ash, dead animals, aerial fire retardants and water-bombing.
To avoid illness, drinking water must be safe to drink.
Tap (mains) water may not work due to damaged pipes, or power outages that prevent water being pumped.
You can disinfect small quantities of water in 2 ways: boiling (the simplest and best) chemical treatment.
Is my water tank now contaminated?
If you have a water tank, be aware that the water is most likely to be contaminated either indirectly by ash, smoke, debris or directly by fire and the fire fighting activities.
Do not use the water for drinking, preparing food, making ice, washing, bathing or cleaning teeth.
Do not provide it to animals.
How do I know if my wastewater systems are safe to use?
On-site wastewater systems such as septic tanks, secondary treatment systems, aerated wastewater treatment systems and their land application systems (leach drains, sprinklers and below ground drippers and connection pipes), can be easily damaged during a bushfire.