Table Mountain National Park

1. Create Defensible Space

   Defensible space is the buffer between your home and the surrounding vegetation. It reduces the risk of your property igniting during a wildfire.

   Zone 1 (0 – 2 meters from your home):

   • Remove all dead vegetation, dry leaves, and pine needles.
   • Use gravel or stone instead of mulch.
   • Keep roofs and gutters clear of debris.
   • Trim branches at least 3 meters away from your house and chimney.

   Zone 2 (2 – 10 meters):

   • Maintain well-watered, low-growing plants.
   • Keep grass mowed short (under 10 cm).
   • Space trees at least 3 meters apart.
   • Remove “ladder fuels” like shrubs that allow fire to climb into tree canopies.

   Zone 3 (10 – 30 meters):

   • Thin dense trees and remove undergrowth.
   • Create fire breaks such as driveways or gravel paths.

2. Fire-Resistant Home Improvements

   Make small upgrades that can dramatically reduce your home’s vulnerability:

   • Install ember-resistant vents and metal or tile roofs instead of thatch.
   • Cover eaves and soffits with fire-resistant materials.
   • Replace wooden fences or decks that connect directly to the house.
   • Seal exterior gaps where embers could enter.
   • Fit a spark arrestor to your chimney.

1. Know Your Evacuation Zone

   • Sign up for local emergency alerts via your Neighbourhood Watch, Community Police Forum, or City emergency system.
   • Identify multiple evacuation routes and save them on your phone.

2. Create a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

   • Plan alternative routes in case roads are closed.
   • Choose a meeting point outside your area.
   • Assign roles for family members (e.g., pets, documents, medication).
   • Practice your plan regularly.

3. Emergency Go-Bag Essentials

   Pack a bag for every household member with:

   • Water (2L per person per day for 3 days)
   • Non-perishable food
   • Flashlight and extra batteries
   • First-aid kit and medication
   • N95 masks (for smoke)
   • Battery-powered radio
   • Warm clothing and sturdy shoes
   • IDs and important documents
   • Cash and phone chargers
   • Pet food and carriers

4. Vehicle Readiness

   • Keep your tank at least half full during fire season.
   • Park facing the road on high-risk (“red flag”) days.
   • Keep your Go-Bag and a charger in the car.
   • Make sure all family members know where spare keys are kept.

• Monitor official alerts from emergency services or local watch groups.
• Turn off gas, propane, and HVAC systems if advised.
• Move flammable materials away from your home.
• Leave gates unlocked for firefighter access.
• Turn sprinklers on if safe — but don’t rely on them.

Pets and Livestock

• Keep carriers, leashes, and transport crates ready.
• Microchip pets and update ID tags.
• Prepare a small animal Go-Bag (food, meds, vet papers).

Elderly or Disabled Family Members

• Consider special mobility or medical needs.
• Register with emergency services if assistance is required.

Insurance and Documentation

• Take photos of your home and valuables.
• Store important documents in the cloud or on a flash drive.

Home Hardening

• Clean roof and gutters
• Trim vegetation and remove debris
• Install ember-resistant vents
• Prepare a water source (hose, sprinklers)

Go-Bag Ready

• Food and water
• Medications and IDs
• Pet supplies
• Flashlight and radio
• Emergency contact list

Evacuation Plan

• Two routes planned
• Meeting point set
• Vehicle fuelled and ready
• Out-of-area contact identified

1. Join a Local Firewise or Emergency Group

   Connect with your Fire Protection Association, Neighbourhood Watch, or Community Police Forum to:

   • Learn about local fire risks
   • Coordinate brush clearing or mitigation days
   • Share reliable emergency information

2. Create a Local Alert System

   Backup communication can save lives. Use:

   • Phone trees (each person calls 2–3 others)
   • WhatsApp or Signal groups
   • Neighbourhood email lists
   • HAM radios for rural or low-signal areas
   • Community bulletin boards

   Tip: Assign communication “block leaders” responsible for checking on nearby homes.

3. Support Vulnerable Residents

   • Maintain a list of elderly or isolated residents.
   • Pair them with “buddies” for check-ins.
   • Coordinate volunteer evacuation support if needed.

4. Share Verified Updates Quickly

   Avoid misinformation by:

   • Monitoring official sources (e.g., SANParks, TMNP, Watch Duty app).
   • Summarizing verified updates for your community.
   • Using shared Google Maps or Docs to post:
     • Road closures
     • Shelter locations
     • Fire perimeters
     • Air quality reports

   Post updates through trusted channels like Facebook Groups, Nextdoor, or Slack.

5. Coordinate Evacuation Support

   • Keep a list of residents needing transport.
   • Arrange carpools or volunteer rides.
   • Designate local meeting points for group departures.

1. Host an annual wildfire preparedness meeting.
2. Share a community wildfire plan.
3. Run an evacuation communication drill.
4. Build a shared contact list (with permission).
5. Assign local emergency roles — from info coordinator to pet transport lead.