Are you prepared for bushfire season?

Redland City Council is taking a proactive approach ahead of bushfire season and is encouraging residents to do the same.

City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Karen Williams said a combination of recent wet weather and high temperatures late in summer meant there was an increased risk for vegetation to create fire hazards across Redlands Coast.

“While a common reaction is to put off getting important safeguards in place until later in the year, the reality is that weather events impact heavily on the conditions that lead to bushfires,” she said.

“Being prepared is the best way to alleviate the risk to your property, your home and your loved ones, and taking some common-sense action before the season starts is a step in the right direction.”

Cr Williams said Council had a program of activities designed to reduce the potential of bushfires across Redlands Coast.

“This program includes 37 planned hazard reduction burns on the mainland, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah,” she said.

“These preventative burns began in March and will continue through to September of this year.

“Council also has a regular slashing schedule which takes in 802 fuel free zones and 348 whole blocks, with the next rotation beginning this month.

“Planning is also well underway for the maintenance of Fire Access Trails and Asset Protection Zones in higher risk areas on Macleay and Russell Islands, areas in Mount Cotton, Sheldon and Redland Bay.”

Cr Williams said there were a number of actions residents could take to reduce the risk to properties.

“Practical precautions like clearing gutters, keeping the lawn mowed and trimming the branches of tall trees around the house are important tasks, and so is making a bushfire plan, especially for those living in bushy parts of Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“Look out for details of our upcoming community information sessions being held later in the year, where you can learn how to prepare yourself and your home or business against the threat of bushfire.”

Council has a free, opt-in emergency messaging service people can subscribe to via disaster.redland.qld.gov.au.

Preventative tasks you can do now:

Clear gutters and roof of leaves, twigs, bark and other debris. Consider installing gutter guards Enclose open areas under decks and floors Install steel wire mesh screens on windows, doors, vents, and weep holes Point LPG cylinder relief valves away from your house Check and maintain firefighting pumps, generators, and water systems Seal gaps in external roof and cladding Remove flammable items away from your home (such as woodpiles, mulch, boxes, hanging baskets, and outdoor furniture) Reduce vegetation along access paths Mow your lawn regularly Remove excess flammable materials such as long dry grass, dead leaves, and branches Trim low-lying branches around your home to a height of two metres from the ground

Useful links for weather and warning updates