How to prepare your home in the event of bushfires

Despite this, it’s critical every household take precaution and isprepared in the event a bushfire threatens your home. We’ve looked at what theNSW Royal Fire Service and the NSW State Government is recommending when itcomes to being bushfire ready, and we’ve talked amongst ourselves as a team andwe think we’ve summarised a pretty okay list of recommendations.

Just quickly, before we get into it, safety comes first! Listen toemergency services crews – if you’re told to leave your property, leave.

Okay, now to getting our recommendations…. This is also about homemaintenance and keeping your house looking schmick.

1.    Gutter cleaning ofleaves and twigs

Many fires are caused by burningembers, twigs and leaves which are carried by the wind.Gutters fill up withtwigs and leaves, which can catch pretty easily – especially if they’ve beensitting there for a while and there’s been little to no rainfall.

Furthermore, this can also result inwater damage.  Downpipes and gutters aresupposed to drain water from your roof, cleaning your gutters all year round isa must. 

2.    Keeping your fence lines free of dried grass and leaves

It is also a good idea to make sureyour fence has been constructed using non-combustible materials. If it hasn’t,why not consider a replacement? Basically, look for all the places where emberscould start fires, for example, around windowsills, fence lines and on theroof. Keep these areas clear from debris as much as possible.

3.    Repair damaged of missing tiles on your roof

Ensuring the integrity of your roof ismaintained and completely sealed will help defend against embers falling onyour roof and causing any havoc.

4.    Maintain your lawns  

Keep your lawns trim and inline. Don’tgive bushfires the chance to feed and fuel their path of destruction.

5.    Check your home and contents insurance is up to date and includes fire damage

In the event your home is damaged orlost to bushfires, the last thing you want is to realise that you are notcovered for any damage that you have incurred.  

6.   Prepare your emergency plan in case youhave to evacuate

Evacuation is a reality fora lot of people at this time of year. Make sure you have an evacuation plan inplace. You can complete your RFS Bush Fire Survival Plan here https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-survival-plan