Fire safety when travelling in Queensland - Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Going Bush? Fire safety when travelling in Queensland
Contents
Going Bush? 3
Travelling in Bushfire Prone Areas
Know Your Risks 4
Fire Danger Rating 6
Fire safety on the road 8
Campfire Essentials 10
Five Campfire Rules 11
Information and Warnings 12
Smoke Alarm 14
Escape Plan 15
Fire Extinguishers 16
Fire Blankets 17
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Safety Checklist 18
This booklet was created in
You can help us 19 collaboration with Rural Fire Service,
State Community Engagement Unit
and Rural Fire Service Volunteer
Frances Pelgrave.
RFS00072 04/18A
© State of Queensland (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) 2017
The Queensland Government, acting through the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, supports and encourages the dissemination
and exchange of publicly funded information and endorses the use of the Australian Governments Open Access and Licensing Framework
(AusGOAL).
All Queensland Fire and Emergency Services material in this document – except the QFES logos, any material protected by a trademark, and
unless otherwise noted – is licensed under a https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has undertaken reasonable enquiries to identify material owned by third parties and secure
permission for its reproduction. Permission may need to be obtained from third parties to re-use their material.
Written requests relating to the copyright in this document should be addressed to:
Intellectual Property Coordinator, For Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, C/o QPS Legal Unit, Legal Division, Queensland Police
Service, GPO Box 1440, Brisbane 4001, PH: 07 3364 3958, EM: QFES.IPCopyright@qfes.qld.gov.au
Page 2
Going Bush?
Volunteers and staff of north Queensland, and progress to
Queensland Fire and Emergency southern areas as spring and summer
approach, extending through to
Services (QFES) want to help
February in some southern and far
you enjoy your time travelling in south-western parts.
Queensland.
These times can vary from year to
From the Pacific coast, over the slopes year depending on the condition of
of the Great Divide, and west to the the local bushland, long term climate
Indian Ocean, you are driving through conditions and short term weather
some of the most diverse country events We are asking you to play
in Australia. With the varied terrain your part in keeping yourselves, the
comes a diverse range of conditions. communities you pass through, and
This booklet is designed to help you the wildlife safe from bushfire.
prepare and plan for the Queensland
Take a few minutes to look through
bushfire season. This can start at any
this booklet, and add the information
time after the beginning of June in far
to your way of life.
For more detailed information, visit:
qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/downloadlibrary
Disclaimer
To the extent possible under applicable law, the material in this document is supplied as-is and as-available, and makes no representations or
warranties of any kind whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise. This includes, without limitation, warranties of title, merchantability,
fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, absence of latent or other defects, accuracy, or the presence or absence of errors, whether
or not known or discoverable. Where disclaimers of warranties are not allowed in full or in part, this disclaimer may not apply.
To the extent possible under applicable law, neither the Queensland Government or the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will be liable
to you on any legal ground (including, without limitation, negligence) or otherwise for any direct, special, indirect, incidental, consequential,
punitive, exemplary, or other losses, costs, expenses, or damages arising out of the use of the material in this document. Where a limitation
of liability is not allowed in full or in part, this limitation may not apply.
Page 3
Fire safety on the road
Make sure your vehicle is properly serviced and
prepared for the journey you are undertaking.
Before you leave each day: Travelling:
Check the Fire Danger Rating for the Being out on the road during a
area in which you will be travelling. bushfire is extremely dangerous.
Always try to avoid travelling in
Be prepared to change your plans
areas where bushfires are burning.
without notice on hot, dry windy
days. Stay alert to local conditions.
Official warnings may not be
Monitor local radio for information
issued.
on bushfire activity.
Stay tuned to local radio/use social
Consider taking some food and
media for updates on conditions in
drink that does not require cooking.
your area.
Have at least one woollen blanket
Follow advice given by police or fire
in the car.
fighters if roads are closed.
Inform a family member or friend of
In a bushfire situation, it is your
where you are going and keep them
choice, your responsibility, as to
informed if your plans change.
what you should do.
The safest choice is not to be there
at all.
Neighbourhood Safer »» The main purpose of a NSP
is to provide some level of
Places (NSP) protection to human life from the
effects of a bushfire. Your NSP
»» A NSP is a local open space will not guarantee safety in all
or building where people may circumstances.
gather, as a last resort, to seek
»» The following limitations of a NSP
shelter from a bushfire.
need to be considered:
Page 4
If you are caught in a bushfire: Face your vehicle towards the
advancing fire front.
Even with the best preparation and
Turn on your headlights and hazard
plans, it is still possible to be caught
lights as thick smoke will make it
in a bushfire.
difficult to see your vehicle.
If at all possible, turn around and
Leave the engine running so that the
drive back to safety.
headlights don’t flatten the battery.
If you are able to, inform 000 of
Make sure that your First Aid kit is
your present position; know your
with you.
coordinates; know the distance from
and the direction to the nearest Get down on the floor, well below
town: give the number of people in the window level; shelter under a
the vehicle; it is a good option to own woollen blanket or other heavy, non
an Emergency Position Indicating synthetic material.
Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
Drink lots of water to avoid
Look for your closest Neighbourhood dehydration.
Safer Place.
When the fire front has passed, and it
is safe to do so, get out of the vehicle
If you can’t escape the path of a carefully – beware of molten and very
bushfire: hot metal. Check for smouldering
vehicle parts and vegetation.
Do not abandon your vehicle and
Do not attempt to move the vehicle
run. Stay inside your vehicle as it
until the danger has passed.
will afford some protection from the
effects of radiant heat.
Pull to the side of the road or off the
road and try to park in an area that
is clear of long grass, leaves, trees,
shrubs and logs.
»» Firefighters may not be present, as »» If you are a person with special needs,
they may be fighting the main fire front you should give consideration to what
elsewhere. assistance you may require at a NSP.
»» NSPs do not cater for animals or pets. »» Not all areas will have a designated NSP.
»» NSPs do not provide meals or amenities. A register can be found on the Rural Fire
Service’s website
»» NSPs may not provide shelter from the
www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
elements, particularly flying embers.
Page 5
Campfire Essentials
Check with local authorities whether a permit is required to camp or
have campfires/barbecues.
Campfire Rules 1 Positioning 2 Building
On arrival...
»» Check the area for any hazards before setting up your camp area.
»» Previous campfires covered with sand or dirt.
»» Rubbish left by others such as broken glass or cans.
»» Check the area for potential problems like local flooding, high winds,
bushfire risk and creepy crawlies.
Setting up your campfire...
»» Make sure the campfire is a safe distance from tents and other camping
equipment, especially flammable items such as gas cylinders and fuel
cans.
»» Light your campfire in a cleared area, free of long grass, scrub and
overhanging branches.
»» Use a barbecue pit or build a surround out of large rocks where possible.
»» In Queensland, the use of gas or electric barbecues, including gas or
spirit stoves, is permitted during fire bans.
»» Never use any kind of flammable liquid on a fire — even when you are
trying to get it started.
Consider the dangers...
»» Campfires should never be left unattended, particularly overnight.
Know where to get help...
»» Fire Ban Information line - on 1800 020 440 (free call).
Put your campfire out with water.
Page 6
In case of gas cylinder fire
»» Call 000.
»» Keep bystanders away.
»» Turn off cylinder valve if safe to do so.
3 Starting 4 Extinguishing 5 Monitoring
First Aid for Burns Campfire Facts
Stop the burning process. »» Campfires should always
be put out with water, not
»» Stop, drop and roll if clothes covered with sand or dirt, or
are on fire. simply abandoned.
»» Smother the flames with »» 91% of burns caused by
water or a coat/blanket made outdoor fires are as a result
of natural fibres. of contact with the coals
Call Triple Zero (000). and embers rather than the
flame.
»» Stay on the phone with the
emergency operator until »» A campfire that is
they hang up. extinguished with water
is cooled to less than 50
Cool the burnt area as soon degrees Celsius after only 10
as possible. minutes. This is unlikely to
»» Apply cool running water to cause burns to people.
the affected area for at least »» As little as one litre of
20 minutes. water can cool an average
size campfire to safe
temperatures.
If you see or accidentally start a grass or
bushfire report it – call 000 immediately!
Page 7
Travelling in Bushfire Prone Areas
»» Bushfires can occur without warning and can quickly affect your travel plans. Plan for
the unexpected by considering alternatives, like different travel routes.
»» Check the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/pages/FDR.aspx
or the FDR signage placed at strategic locations throughout Queensland.
»» The FDR for each weather district is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology, in
consultation with QFES.
»» Keep up to date with what is happening in the area by staying connected to local media
and radio stations. Also use the internet and social media.
Are you a smoker?
Throwing cigarette butts
from vehicles is dangerous.
Cigarettes are environmentally
unfriendly and can start
You may see unattended fires
bush and grass fires placing
burning in the bush close to the
lives at risk.
road you are travelling on. These
There are heavy penalties for may be wild fires, or they may
people caught throwing lit be permitted hazard reduction
cigarette butts from vehicles, burns. If you are concerned and
especially during times of uncertain about such fires, don’t
increased fire danger. You can be afraid to call 000.
do your bit by reporting them.
Such information can be valuable
Download the form from the
to the emergency services, or they
Department of Environment
can tell you if they already know
and Heritage Protection’s
about these fires.
webpage:
www.ehp.qld.gov.au
Your safety is
Page 8
Know Your Risk
Bushfires can affect just about any person or place in
Queensland.
They move fast, can be highly destructive to land and
property, and can pose a serious threat to life.
Since, as Travellers in motor homes and caravans, you are mobile
and completely self contained, your Bushfire Survival Plan will be
different from that of a householder.
Your main responsibility is to be fully up to date with bushfire advice
and warnings (refer to the section on Information and Warnings).
If bushfires are burning in the places you hope to travel to or are
already travelling through, then you should work out a new route so
that you can drive away and avoid the affected areas.
You may be able to return to your original route in a few days if the
bushfire conditions change and the risk diminishes.
your responsibility.
Page 9Information and Warnings
It is up to you to be aware of what is happening around you and to be prepared in case
of an emergency. Remember to stay informed and speak to others about your local
conditions.
What do bushfire warnings mean? When are bushfire warnings
issued?
»» There is a fire in your local area,
access information and monitor If a fire starts that may threaten life or
conditions. property, warnings are issued. It’s up
»» Note that there is a fire nearby. to you to take notice, seek information,
make decisions and act.
»» Understand that there is no immediate
threat.
»» Access information and monitor Should you still be in this
conditions. location?
»» Consider what action you should take
»» You are in imminent danger and need
for your safety – check your Bushfire
to take action immediately. You will
Survival plan.
be impacted by fire.
»» Fire is heading toward you, conditions
»» Take immediate action
are changing and you need to take action
recommended by the Fire Service in
now to protect yourself and your family.
its warning message.
»» There is a heightened level of threat.
»» Enact your Bushfire Survival Plan.
»» Bushfire conditions in this area are
»» Make sure you are ready for any
changing.
emergency.
»» A fire is approaching you.
»» Your life may be in danger.
Remember, don’t rely on one
»» You need to take action now to protect
yourself – enact your Bushfire Survival
source of information.
Plan.
Page 10Emergency Alert is the national telephone warning system.
It is one of many ways emergency services such as police, fire and emergency
services, can warn a community of a likely or actual emergency.
The warning system sends text messages to mobile telephones
based on the last known location of the handset within a specific
area defined by the emergency service organisation issuing
the warning message, about likely or actual emergencies
such as fire, flood, or extreme weather events.
You should not wait to receive a warning
message before you act.
How do I get warnings and know what’s happening?
Information and warnings Warnings activated to assist you
available for you to access
Radio
ABC local radio, community Community Meetings
stations and commercial radio
WW W Website Door Knocks
ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
Television Telephone Alerting
Pay TV or
Free-to-air TV SMS – all networks
Landlines
Social Media Apps
Like: QFES Facebook page
Follow: @QldFES
Page 11The Fire Danger Rating (FDR) is an early
Fire Danger Rating indicator of potential danger, and should act
as your first trigger for action. The higher the
rating, the greater the need for you to act.
A fire with a ‘very high’ danger rating is one that can be difficult to control with flames that may burn into the tree
tops. During a fire of this type, some homes may be damaged or destroyed. During a fire with a ‘very
high’ danger rating, you should use your home as a place of safety only if it is well-prepared
and well-constructed.
IG H
YH
VER
A fire with a ‘high’ danger rating is one that can be controlled, where loss of
life is unlikely, and damage to property will be limited. During a fire with
a ‘high’ danger rating, you should know where to get more information
and monitor the situation for any changes. H
G
HI
A fire with a ‘low to moderate’ rating can be easily controlled
TE
and poses little or no risk to life or property. During a fire
ERA
with a ‘low to moderate’ rating, you should know where
to get more information and monitor the situation for any
OD
changes. LOW-M
Smoke Alarm
Where do smoke alarms need to go?
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommends that you have at least
one working photoelectric smoke alarm inside the van where the bed is, and one
also in the annex if you sleep there. The smoke alarm should meet Australian
Standards 3786-2014. You can buy smoke alarms from most hardware stores, large
supermarkets, electrical suppliers and a variety of retail stores.
Fit photoelectric smoke alarms with a hush button. Caravan specific ones are
available from hardware stores. A hush button will silence the alarm for a short period
of time allowing the air to clear.
Fires start quietly and can spread very quickly. Smoke is a silent killer
and when people are asleep they are unlikely to smell smoke.
Page 12Keep up to date with your local Fire Danger Ratings every day at
www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/pages/FDR.aspx
A fire with a ‘severe’ rating may be uncontrollable and move quickly, with flames that may be higher than the roof
tops. A ‘severe’ fire may cause injuries and some homes or businesses will be destroyed. During a
fire with a ‘severe’ rating, leaving is safest option for your survival. Use your home as a place
SEVER of safety only if it is well-prepared and well-constructed.
E
A fire with an ‘extreme’ rating may be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast-
moving. The flames may be higher than roof tops. During an ‘extreme’ fire,
EX
TR people will be injured, and homes and businesses may be destroyed.
During an ‘extreme’ fire, well-prepared and well-constructed homes
EM
may not be safe. Leaving is the only option for your survival.
E
A fire with a rating of ‘catastrophic’ may be uncontrollable,
CAT
unpredictable and fast-moving. The flames will be higher than
roof tops. May people may be injured, and many homes and
AST
businesses may be destroyed. During an ‘catastrophic’ fire,
well-prepared and well-constructed homes will not be safe.
ROPH
Leaving is the only option for your survival.
IC
Maintaining your smoke alarms
Test your smoke alarms regularly and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Change the batteries of battery-operated alarms at least once a year – decide on a
memorable day (e.g. April 1) or an anniversary, birthday or public holiday.
»» Test and clean smoke alarms monthly using the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner or soft
brush.
»» Check the manufacturer’s instructions for mains-powered smoke alarms as the back-up
battery may require changing every 12 months.
Photoelectric is a type of smoke alarm which gives earlier warning of smouldering fires
which maximises a person’s escape time. Smoke alarms help save lives by producing
a loud warning sound that can give you time to get out of the house.
Page 13Escape Plan
When fire breaks out in the small confines of a caravan or
mobile home, it’s far too late to start planning how to get
out. That is why it is essential to prepare an escape plan in
advance. Consider...
»» How will you exit?
»» Is your exit route clear of tripping hazards?
»» Is there security that will stop your escape?
»» Where will you meet any others you are travelling with?
Practise your escape.
This will help confirm that your plan will work.
Page 14Fire Extinguishers
For travelling, particularly in motor homes and caravans, a dry
chemical powder (AB(E), white band) fire extinguisher will be effective
against most types of fires with a 1kg extinguisher discharging in 10-
12 seconds. It should be located near the door, NOT in the kitchen, to
be safely accessible. Check that the needle on the pressure gauge on
the extinguisher is within the green section.
HOW TO USE YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Note: Hold the extinguisher by the bottom handle to allow easy
removal of the pin.
Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side aiming at the base of the fire.
Did you know...
Over time the powder in your fire extinguisher may compact and become
ineffective. Shake or hit the base of the fire extinguisher until you feel the
powder move so that the extinguisher will work properly.
AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 - Portable fire extinguishers
- General requirements
Page 15Fire Blankets
If you are not sure that you can deal with a fire, get out immediately.
What is a fire blanket? How to use a fire blanket
A fire blanket consists of a piece Pull down sharply on the tabs
of fire-resistant fabric (usually hanging from the bottom of the
woven glass fibre) that can be package to release the fire blanket.
used to smother a small fire or
wrap around a person whose Hold it in front of you, with the
clothing is alight. It must fabric rolled back at the edges to
measure no less than one metre protect your hands.
by one metre, but may be larger.
Place (not throw) fire blankets over
Where to store a fire cooking fat fires, keeping hands
blanket and face protected behind it.
To be useful, a fire blanket Lay the blanket gently over the
should be easily and quickly fire. Do not throw the bottom of
available. For example, it could the blanket onto the far side of the
be located near the door of fire as flames can then run up the
your caravan. blanket to your hands.
Turn off the heat source and leave
When to use a fire blanket the blanket over the burnt area
A fire blanket is ideal for for at least 15 minutes or until the
extinguishing cooking fat heat has dissipated.
fires and can be used to wrap Dial 000 to call the fire service.
around people if their clothes
To put out a clothing fire, wrap the
catch on fire.
blanket around the flames and
person. Get them to drop to the
ground and roll until the fire is out.
Seek medical assistance.
AS/NZS 3504:2006 - Fire blankets
Read more at www.qfes.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/leisure/CampfireSafety.html
Page 16Safety Checklist
for Caravans and Mobile Homes
Before travelling While you are away After travelling
Check smoke alarms are Keep escape routes clear Test safety switch before
working. of obstructions. each trip.
Store an extra battery Never leave cooking Gas cylinders, pipes
in case replacement is unattended. and fittings should
needed during the trip. Always turn handles be checked regularly,
Test the electrical Safety aside so pots and pans particularly after driving
Switch before each trip. cannot be knocked from on country roads.
Make sure you know the cooktop. Replace used fire
where escape windows Clean your cooking blankets.
and hatches are and how appliances regularly. Make sure fire
they work. Keep tea towels and extinguishers are fully
Store all clothes and other flammable items charged, inspected and
bedclothes well away away from cooking regularly serviced.
from the kitchen area. appliances. Check electrical
Store all flammable Do not use appliances appliances for frayed
liquids outside the with frayed cords. cords and any other
caravan or mobile home. visible damage.
Turn off all appliances
Store correctly labelled not being used before Ensure that the extension
chemicals securely away going to bed. lead for connecting
from children. electricity supply to
Do not leave electronic
your caravan is in good
Secure loose items while devices on charge or
condition and of suitable
travelling. plugged into charge for
size for the current load.
Fit a fire blanket and/or extended periods of
Damaged cords must be
fire extinguisher in the time.
replaced immediately.
caravan. Ensure adequate
Electric blankets should
Replace any electrical ventilation when using a
be checked regularly and
appliances which have gas cooker.
stored correctly.
damaged cords or any Locate extinguishers and
Replace the battery in
other visible damage. fire blankets near an exit
the smoke alarm at least
Turn off all gas cylinders where they are easily
once a year.
while the caravan accessible.
is being towed or
campervan engine is on.
Keep gas cylinders
outside unless a properly
designed storage
cupboard has been
fitted.
Page 17Things you can do immediately...
1. Call Triple Zero (000) to report an event happening now; otherwise...
2. Remember the time and location where you see fires.
3. Write down the description of people acting suspiciously in the area where fire
have been happening, or any unusual activity.
4. Write down the description of vehicles entering or leaving the area about the times
of fires
5. Pass this information onto your local police, or anonymously to CRIME STOPPERS on
1800 333 000.
Page 18You can help us
By completing the following survey you will help Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
provide more relevant information for Bushfire Safety in their community education
programs. It can be completed online www.surveymonkey.com/r/RFSGoingBush or here
and returned to us via the reply paid option.
1. Where do you call home? 6. How useful has this resource been
Australian Capital Territory for you?
New South Wales Very useful
Northern Territory Useful
Queensland Not useful
South Australia
7. We will put the information into
Tasmania
Victoria practise while we are travelling and
Western Australia when we return home.
I am from overseas. My home Yes
country is …………………………….. No
2. How do you travel? 8. I/we understand the roadside signs
In a motor home about the Fire Danger Rating.
In a caravan Yes
Other No
3. How many travel with you? 9. We now have a Bushfire Survival
I travel on my own Plan for while we are travelling.
2 people
Yes
3 or more
No
I have my pet animal with me.
10. We know how to access information
4. What is your age?
on social media, and will check the
Under 50 QFES community messaging site.
50 - 60
60 - 70 Yes
70+ No
5. How long will you travel for?
1 week Any comments or suggestions?
2- 4 weeks
2- 3 months
More than 3 months
We live on the road
Thank you for helping us. Your feedback is valuable to us.
RFS00072 04/18A
Page 19• It is the customer's responsibility to check that the artwork is correct, please check the delivery address details and the addressee details below the barcode. Contact Australia Post if any changes are
required.
• Failure to adhere to correct addressing and formatting standards will result in higher customer charges or cancellation of service.
• Refer to the Reply Paid Service Guide or visit www.auspost.com.au/replypaid
• Please check the artwork details thoroughly. Australia Post is not responsible for any errors.
Width: 110 mm X Length: 220 mm Note: All components must be printed.
The artwork components must not be re-scaled. Re-scaling will create processing
problems.
Delivery Address:
GPO Box 1425
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Rural Fire Service
Office of Bushfire Mitigation
Reply Paid 1425
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Filename: D89251253049110220N131204.pdf date: 04/12/2013 12:38:56
Summary: Envelope Paper Requirements: No print content can appear in the bottom 15 mm on the front of the article or 20mm on the WARNING
- weight of 65 to 100gsm; Changes to this artwork not complying with
- thickness of 0.08 to 0.18 mm; rear of the article. Reply Paid Service Guidelines may result inYou can also read
