How to prepare for bushfire season

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Bushfire season is upon us and it pays to be prepared. Here’s a few simple ways you can help protect your home from bushfires this summer.

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Clean the gutters

Flying embers are the main way that houses catch alight during a bushfire. Gutters full of leaves and debris are the perfect fuel for these embers to take hold. Clean out gutters regularly during fire season. Take care when using a ladder that it is stable and don’t over-reach. Wear heavy duty gloves in case any nasties have taken up residence among the leaves.

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Keep things clear

Prune any trees or shrubs to keep them 2 metres away from your home. Keep the grass trimmed as well. Dry long grass is perfect fire fuel. Move any flammable building materials, such as timber away from your home.

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Check your hose

Make sure your hose is long enough to reach all the way around your house, is fitted with a good nozzle and doesn’t have any leaks. If your water is sourced from tanks, make sure the pump is in good condition so it won’t break down when you need it most.

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Make a plan

Don’t wait until the bushfire is at your door before deciding what you’ll do. Make a bushfire survival plan so you can work out when you will leave if a fire approaches and what you will do to defend your home if you decide to stay. Share this information with the whole family and even your neighbours. That way you can all work together and not make the wrong decisions when the pressure is on.

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