A well-prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire. Even if your plan is to leave early, the more preparation conducted in and around your home, the more likely it will survive a bushfire or ember attack. A well-prepared home can also be easier for you or firefighters to defend and give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you cannot leave.
How to prepare your property
- Clean your gutters of leaves and sticks.
- Install metal gutter guards.
- Repair damaged or missing tiles on the roof.
- Install fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors.
- Fit seals around doors and windows to eliminate gaps.
- Enclose the areas under the house.
- Repair or cover gaps in external walls.
- Attach a fire sprinkler system to gutters.
- Keep lawns short and gardens well maintained.
- Cut back trees and shrubs overhanging buildings.
- Clean up fallen leaves, twigs and debris around the property.
- Have hoses long enough to reach around your house.
- If you have a pool, tank or dam, put a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign on your property entrance, so firefighters know where they can get water.
- Check and maintain adequate levels of home and contents insurance. Ensure your insurance policy is up to date.
