Prepare for bushfires
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Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of bushfires. Remember to consider how road closures and interruptions to public transport could affect you and your ability to leave the area.
Have an emergency kit ready with essential items such as bottled water to drink, non-perishable food, torches, radio and camp stove. Prepare your kit in advance and keep it somewhere you can easily access. Consider including items on our emergency kit contents checklist.
Practice your evacuation plan with your family so everyone will know what to do and where to go in case of a bushfire.
Gutters and downpipes can get filled with flammable debris that can increase the risk of your property catching fire. Check and clean them of any blockages.
Tree branches can carry fire and cause damage to your property. Keep them well trimmed and clear of your house. Find out how to prepare your property for a bushfire.
Natural debris can be a hazard that helps spread fires. Rake up bark, leaves and twigs and keep your property generally well-maintained to minimise the amount of fuel a bushfire can use. Find out more about protecting your property from bushfires.
If you live in a bushfire-risk area, consider creating a clear space around buildings, including removing garden beds that touch your house.
Natural debris can be a hazard that helps spread fires. Rake up bark, leaves and twigs and keep your property generally well-maintained to minimise the amount of fuel a bushfire can use. Find out more about protecting your property from bushfires.
If you live in a bushfire-risk area, consider removing door mats made of flammable materials.
Ensure your house is properly sealed by filling in any gaps around windows, door frames and eaves.
Larger under-deck areas can be at high risk because of their proximity to the ground. You can protect them with non-flammable screens.
In case of a bushfire, fire trucks may need access to your property. Make sure they have clear access to as much of your property as possible.
You can prevent bushfires from having the fuel to spread to your property. Don’t dump garden waste and other flammables in adjoining bushland areas. Find out about Council’s waste and recycling facilities.
Make sure you have good access to water through tanks and swimming pools that don’t rely on electric pumps and town water, which can fail during fire emergencies.
Keep your property safe from flammable sources. Point LPG (liquid petroleum gas) safety valves away from the house.
Make sure you think of your pets in preparing for any emergency: include pet food in your emergency kit and make sure your dog is registered and microchipped.