Read on for information that could save your life in an emergency.
November 2024
Did you know over 90 per cent of the City of Wanneroo is bushfire prone? You might be surprised to find your property is deemed to be at high risk of bushfires regardless of whether you live in a rural or urban area.
It's vital to be as prepared as possible for an emergency, so read on for tips that could save your life or your property in a bushfire, and links to more information on preparing for bushfires and other major emergencies.
Are you bushfire ready?
It's important to carry out fire mitigation works, such as firebreaks, on your land prior to the start of bushfire season, regardless of land size or location.
In fact, it's a requirement under the Bush Fires Act 1954 that fire mitigation measures are in place from 1 November each year until 30 April the following year.
The City conducts firebreak inspections from the start of November each year on properties that are classified high risk. Inspections are carried out by trained Fire Control Officers who are authorised to enter a property by foot, vehicle, quad bike and/or drone.
Preparing your property
Property owners play an important role in reducing the bushfire risk to occupants, visitors and neighbours. One of the most important steps is the creation and maintenance of an Asset Protection Zone (APZ), a low-fuel area immediately surrounding a building.
An APZ should include a defendable space no less than three metres in width, free from combustible items or obstructions, and with minimal vegetation.
If correctly designed and maintained, an APZ can increase the likelihood that your building can be defended during a bushfire, and that it will survive if left undefended.
Preparing your emergency kits
When a bushfire is likely to impact your home, the safest choice is always to leave early and ensure you have an emergency evacuation kit ready.
Staying and defending, or sheltering in place, is dangerous and should only be done if you are extremely well prepared. You must be mentally and physically ready, have an independent supply of power and water, and an extensive staying in place emergency kit.
It's important to prepare all your emergency kits before the start of bushfire season and keep them in an accessible spot that the whole family knows about.
Know the alerts and warningsIf you live in a bushfire prone area, it's critical to understand the Australian Warning System, and have a plan for what you will do if an emergency warning is issued near your home. Advice: An incident has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes. Watch and Act: There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action. Emergency Warning: The highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. 
Beat the heatWA can experience long periods of extreme heat resulting in heatwaves. A heatwave is when day and night-time temperatures are unusually high for three or more consecutive days. Some people are more vulnerable in the hot weather and need to take extra care to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat stress and heat stroke. Find out how to reduce the impacts of heatwaves for yourself, loved ones and friends, and your pets and animals. |
Know your Fire Danger RatingIssued daily, a Fire Danger Rating (FDR) describes the potential level of danger should a bushfire start. Launched in 2022, this nationally consistent system features four simplified rating levels to accurately reflect fire danger conditions. The ratings provide important information on what to do at each level, so you can take action to protect yourself and others from the potentially dangerous impacts of a bushfire. It's important to stay informed and check the rating for your area every day. 
Making our beaches saferBeach Emergency Number (BEN) signs help improve emergency response times in the event of a shark sighting, attack or other emergency in the area. Each sign has a unique letter and number code linked to the location co-ordinates, to help emergency services locate you quickly and accurately. Please familiarise yourself with the BEN signs at your favourite beaches so you know how to get help quickly in an emergency. |
Save the date – emergency preparedness event
The City will be hosting a number of emergency preparedness events next year to help our community prepare for storms, bushfires and other emergencies.
Save the date and join us at Bunnings Mindarie on Saturday 5 April 2025 to chat to emergency services personnel, get the kids involved in some fun activities, view live demonstrations, and enjoy a sausage sizzle.
