It’s really hot out there this summer, and many homes and lives are at risk from fires. Here’s some advice and resources to help you stay safe.
Ideally you should be on top of this before fire season, but it’s never too late to protect you and your property.
- Clean out gutters and other roof fittings – they collect leaves and debris, which are extremely flammable;
- If you have a woodpile, which is a fuel source, site it well away from the house;
- Prune any trees that are close to the house, as overhanging branches will fuel a fire;
- At ground level, keep grass short and rake up leaves;
- Purchase at least one garden hose that reaches the perimeter of your property;
- Regularly recycle newspapers and cardboard. Don’t store piles of recycling material close to the house;
- Store flammable liquids and paint away from the house;
- LPG gas bottles should have the valve facing away from the house;
- Pool chemicals can ignite if placed near other flammable liquids so store them separately from other potentially dangerous chemicals;
- Make sure your insurance is up to date and adequately covers your property and its contents for bushfire damage;
- If you’re renting in a bushfire prone area and you don’t feel your landlord has taken reasonable steps to address the above, talk to them about it. If you can’t get them to cooperate, speak to your state or territory fire service and see if they can assist.
- Create a manageable evacuation plan and share it with the people closest to you.
Keep safe out there! This isn’t a comprehensive plan, so make sure you get expert advice for your property, situation and location.
