Australia is known for its bad bushfire season. Each year there are several extreme bushfires caused by the hot dry weather. Previous years have seen these fires claim hundreds of homes, leaving many people homeless. While you don’t have control over these fires you can prepare your home in the event that a fire does start in your area.
While we are nearing the end of summer it is important to keep your home and your family prepared in the event of a fire as warmer weather can linger. It is also important to know that ember attacks can start a house fire. Embers can travel long distances from the original fire location causing new fires and damage to your property and surrounds.
1) Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are often forgotten about until they clog up and cause your gutters to overflow during bad rain. It is important to make sure your gutters are kept clean and free from leaves, plants and other debris. If your gutters are left to fill up with plant matter, embers can easily make their way into your gutter and cause your house to catch on fire.Check your gutters regularly to make sure they are clean and clear. If you live in an area that is prone to bushfires then you may want to check your gutters every few days just to be on the safe side.
2) Trim Overhanging Trees, Bushes and Plants
Overhanging trees and bushes can cause serious damage to your home in the event of a fire. Fires and embers can take over a tree in a matter or minutes so keeping these away from your house will help to keep your home safe and less likely to be damaged.It is also important to note that you don’t want to add any new plants or shrubs close to your home during bushfire season. Anything that is close to your home can act as an accelerant and cause damage to your home.
3) Keep Your Garden Tidy
Keeping your garden tidy is important in the event of a fire. Piles of dead leaves and green waste can act as fuel to a fire. Make sure your garden (front yard and backyard) is kept neat and tidy. It is also important to make sure that your grass is kept short and is mowed regularly. Grass and plant life are much more flammable than most people realise.
4) Check Your Hoses
In the event that a fire does come close to your property, you may have to fight the fire for yourself before firefighters arrive at your property. This doesn’t mean that you need to get close to the fire but wetting down your property and surrounds can help to fight the fire. Check that hoses reach the edges of your property and are in good working order in case you need to use them during an emergency. Don’t forget to always listen to advice from fire crews and emergency services and leave your property if you are told to.
How Cheapest Load of Rubbish Can Help
Taking the time to look around your home and property will ensure you are fire ready. All improvements that need to be made should be done as soon as possible to ensure you and your family are prepared. Cheapest Load of Rubbish can help to remove any garden waste or home materials that you need removed. Don’t leave these old items to lie around as it may cause problems for you during an emergency.
Our team are the experts in waste disposal and can help ensure your property is bushfire ready. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you.
Also, don’t forget to check the NSW Rural Fire Service website to see what you can do to keep your family and your home safe.
