Have you prepared your property? Most of us try to take the opportunity for some rest and relaxation over the summer and may even get away for a break. So how do you safeguard your property against bushfire risk if you are going away?
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The more preparation work you do around your house and other assets, the greater the chances that they will survive a bushfire. If going away over summer, the best way to prepare your property is to do what you would do if a fire was approaching.
Remove fuel hazards from around your house and farm buildings. Things you can do include mowing and clearing vegetation from around your house and buildings, keep lawns short and gardens well maintained and cut back any trees or shrubs overhanging buildings.
Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and twigs and move any flammable items such as door mats, BBQ, outdoor furniture, cushions and hanging baskets. Repair any damaged or missing tiles on the roof, fit seals around doors and windows to eliminate gaps and repair or cover gaps in external walls.
Slash fire breaks along boundary fences to help slow or stop the spread of a fire and if you have fire breaks across your property, make sure these are clear. Reducing the available fuel will make it harder for fire to take hold.
If you have a pool, tank or dam you can let firefighters know that there's water available on your property by putting up a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign on your gate.
Check that your home and contents insurance is up to date and that you have an adequate level of cover. If you have animals, what's their plan? Who's going to look after them? Where can they go?
You can create a 'safe paddock' close to the house or yards where animals can be kept in case of a fire. This could be a grazed or green paddock or a laneway, with access to water. You can prepare a safe paddock by slashing or heavily grazing the area and make sure water is available and fencing is secure.
Choose an area where dry grass and timber is minimal if you don't have a safe paddock. Somewhere with a large cleared area within the paddock is the best option if nothing else is available.
Notify a trusted neighbour of your plan so they can advise the fire service that you're away and move your livestock if there is a fire.
A well prepared property gives firefighters the greatest chance to defend whilst you're away. And even if you are staying put, following the above tips will make your property more likely to survive a bushfire.
