Preparing Your Farm for Bushfire Season: Essential Tips and Resources
Wednesday, 11 December, 2024
Bushfire season is a daunting time for farmers, with threats to property, livestock, and human life. Effective preparation is vital to minimising risks. Gallagher is committed to supporting farmers with practical tools, expert advice, and innovative technologies designed to keep you, your family, and your animals safe.
Before Bushfire Season
Proactive Planning Saves Lives
Preparation should begin well before the dry season. Agriculture Victoria’s Fire Preparedness Toolkit and the Country Fire Authority's (CFA) guidelines are invaluable resources for planning and preparation.
Key Steps:
- Farm Gates, Fences, and Access: Ensure gates are wide and unobstructed for emergency service vehicles. This simple step can save lives and property. Watch this video on farm gates, fences and fires.
- Fuel Load Management: Regularly clear vegetation and debris around critical areas. Watch Agriculture Victoria’s video on managing fire fuel on farms.
- Roadside Numbering: Ensure clear and visible property markers for emergency responders.
Planning for Animals
Farm animals are among the most vulnerable during a bushfire, making their safety a top priority. Thoughtful preparation can save lives and reduce stress during emergencies.
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Emergency Stock Containment Areas:
Identify and prepare large, open paddocks with minimal vegetation, preferably close to reliable water sources. These areas act as safe zones for livestock during a fire. - Evacuation and Relocation Plans:
Develop a strategy for moving livestock to safer areas if necessary. Factor in transport logistics, routes, and timing to avoid last-minute decisions. - Reliable Water Supply:
Ensure animals have access to abundant, clean water during and after a bushfire. Gallagher’s Water Tank Monitoring Systems provide real-time updates on water levels, ensuring this critical resource is always available. - Post-Fire Recovery for Animals:
After a bushfire, monitor livestock closely for injuries or stress. Having accurate livestock records using Gallagher’s Weigh and EID Systems can streamline post-emergency care and management.
Developing a Bushfire Survival Plan
A written bushfire survival plan is essential for protecting your family, workers, and animals. Incorporate clear evacuation triggers, asset protection strategies, and contingencies for staying or leaving. The CFA provides resources and templates to help you create a tailored plan.
Gallagher’s Role in Bushfire Preparedness
Gallagher is a trusted partner in helping farmers prepare for and manage the risks of bushfire. Our innovative technologies provide peace of mind and practical support:
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Water Tank Monitoring Systems:
Ensure livestock have constant access to water, even during emergencies. With monitoring throughout the day, you’ll always know the status of your water supplies. - Solar and Remote Power Solutions:
Maintain power for pumps, electric fences, and other critical systems with Gallagher’s solar lithium battery setups. These systems ensure operations continue even during power outages. - Livestock Weigh and ID Systems:
Accurate, digital livestock records allow for easy tracking and management during and after a fire. Recovering from a disaster becomes faster and more efficient with this system in place. - Fire Break Maintenance:
Regularly maintaining firebreaks and clearing vegetation is essential. Gallagher’s innovative electric fencing solutions can be configured to restrict livestock grazing to specific areas, assisting in reducing ground cover in fire-prone zones. - Emergency Preparedness Kits:
Using Gallagher’s equipment, such as portable energizers and power systems, you can include reliable power sources in your emergency kits. These compact solutions ensure continued operation of critical devices like pumps and communication tools during power outages. - Stay Connected:
Gallagher’s commitment to innovation extends to supporting farmer connectivity. Gallagher systems integrate with apps and online platforms that help farmers monitor property conditions and adapt plans as fire danger ratings change.
Supporting Resources
To stay informed and prepared, explore these resources: