I understand the non Australians reblogging this wishing us luck and safety this summer, I know you have good intentions and I’m forever grateful that you’ll spread awareness to the aussie followers you might have, but I don’t think you really understand how terrifying this is.
I’m not old enough to remember Black Saturday or Ash Wednesday. I was one of the majority of Australians who lived in urban, built up areas during the Black Summer bushfires. I’ve since moved to an area that is surrounded (and I literally mean surrounded) by grasslands. And if any of the two escape points I have are blocked off, by fire, traffic or debris; I am Fucked.
We won’t be able to handle it. I know you might think we are equipped to handle the heat — which we are to an extent — but this is not just about the heat. It’s going to be dry. Way dryer than the last three summers we’ve had. Any rural area is in immediate danger. Any wildlife is in immediate danger. Anywhere without nearby and substantial firefighting services is in danger.
I’m so sorry to say but best wishes can only help us so much. Hawai’i is already burning. Canada has already burned. We are about to start burning, and you will be next. Fire may be part of this continents ecosystem but it is not part of yours. We take rises in bigoted political movements and discriminatory laws in the US and UK as warnings, because we know that they will migrate here as well if we aren’t careful. You need to take our bushfires as a warning as well. Climate change affects all of us, the the US and UK are not exempt from fires.
Australians, please come up with an emergency evacuation plan if you don’t already have one. And if you already do, please review and update it.
- Consider your escape routes. Have as many backups if you can for if one of more routs are blocked off by traffic, emergency services, or debris.
- Walk if it is an option, mainly for those in urban/built up areas (remember, you only need to walk two streets back). Driving can be dangerous due to smoke/visibility can can block off emergency services
- If you are going to defend your property, learn the risks and how they impact your unique situation
- Have an emergency kit [page 5] and know where your important documents and/or medications are.
- Have a plan for your pets. Include them in your plan and keep anything they might need in your emergency kit if you have one.
- Maintain you property and surrounding areas. Keep your garden neat and tidy and pick up any rubbish.
- Keep watch. Leave early.
