How to prepare your home for a bushfire: A safety plan

Bushfires are a reality of Australian summers but there are practical steps you can take to help safeguard your home and family. With the right gear – and preparation – you can reduce risk, protect your property and ensure you’re ready in case you need to evacuate. We asked experts, including NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) spokesperson Ben Shepherd, to share the most important actions you can take now so you know how to prepare for a bushfire this season. 

Bushfire evacuation essentials

If bushfire conditions worsen and you need to evacuate, here’s what you should have packed and ready. Keep your ‘Go Bag’ by the door or in your car during high-risk periods.

• Important documents (hard copies and backups)
• Medications and prescriptions
• Water and non-perishable food
• Phone charger and power bank
• Battery radio and torch
• Spare clothes and hygiene items
• Smoke masks
• Pet food and essentials

How to prepare for a bushfire near your home

Bushfire preparation starts with some simple maintenance jobs, advises Ben. “People often think preparing their home is going to be an expensive task,” he says. “But many of the most important steps are free and just part of basic home maintenance.”

Clearing leaves and debris from gutters is a high priority, as embers can travel kilometres ahead of a fire front and easily ignite uncleared gutters. Flammable items such as firewood, mulch and doormats should be moved away from the house, lawns kept tidy and trees trimmed clear of the roofline. “And make sure you have a reliable water supply with hoses that reach all corners of your property,” says Ben.

It’s also important to seal up any gaps where embers might get in. Check for cracked tiles, loose roofing and gaps around doors or vents. Use fire-resistant seals where possible and fix any vulnerable points.

Tip: When cleaning gutters, use a ladder rest or gutter clamp instead of leaning the ladder directly on guttering.

What tools do I need for bushfire safety?

A few tools and backup items can make all the difference. A long hose, shovel, rake and fire extinguisher are essentials. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, also consider getting a generator and water pump, as well as Eskies to keep food and medications cold during a blackout.

Don’t forget to protect important documents, too. A fireproof chest or safe is ideal for storing passports, insurance papers, wills and digital backups. Having copies of photos and receipts in cloud storage can also make insurance claims easier.

“Take the time now to check your bushfire survival plan and discuss it with your household,” says Ben. “It’s one of the most important things you can do.”

Even if you’re not near the bush, don’t assume you’re safe, warns Ben. “Embers can land far from the fire front, so preparation is important no matter where you live.”

A well-prepared home is not only safer, it’s easier for firefighters to defend. Taking action now – before the danger days arrive – will give you the best chance of protecting what matters most.

Keep in mind...

• When using tree loppers, follow instructions, wear protective gear, set up an exclusion zone and never cut directly overhead.

Live in a bushfire-prone area?

Check out how to prepare a bushfire survival kit.

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Photo credit: Martina Gemmola.