Experts are warning that most of Australia’s population will face an above-normal bushfire risk this year. Now is the time to be proactive and take note of the warning by getting your home prepared.
Reduce vegetation around your home
During bushfire season, it is critical that you keep vegetation around your home to a minimum. This includes keeping your lawn mown, raking up leaves and trimming low-lying branches that are two metres from the ground, and any branches that hang near your roof.
Ensure your gutters are free from debris
It is important to ensure that your gutters are free from any debris, as the leafy debris can act as a fuel for stray embers. Scarily, 90% of homes in a bushfire are lost to an ember attack. Embers can travel kilometres in the wind, so even if the fire is not directly near your home, your home can still catch alight. Getting your gutters professionally cleaned prior to bushfire season will ensure that this fuel is removed, reducing the risk to your home.
Move flammable items away from the home
It is recommended that you move flammable items away from your home, such as woodpiles, paper, boxes, paint, crates, hanging baskets, mulch and garden furniture.
Water
Check that your hose reaches all sides of your house. If you have a dam, pool and tank, put a Static Water Supply sign on your fence. This alerts firefighters that there is an ideal supply of water on your property that can be used in an emergency.
Put together a bushfire survival kit and a relocation survival kit
In the event of an emergency, ensure that you have organised a bushfire survival and relocation kit for you and your family. Ensure that it includes important things like torches, bottled drinking water, a first aid kit, medication, a portable radio, valuables and a form of identification.