How to be prepared for bushfires all year round

The last three years of El Nino have brought rain and flooding, which has produced a strong level of vegetation growth. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt states that this growth poses an extra bushfire threat during the drier El Nino season.

This is a reminder that Australian households need to take proactive steps to be prepared for the threat of bushfires all year round. It is a good time to revisit the NSW Rural Fire Service’s top five actions to make your home safer:

1. Trim overhanging trees and shrubs
2. Mow grass and remove the cuttings
3. Remove material that can burn around your home (e.g., doormats, woodpiles, mulch, leaves, paint, outdoor furniture)
4. Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home
5. Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home. Make sure you’ve got a reliable source of water.

The NSW Rural Fire Service also recommends more permanent protections for your home, including installing metal security screens on all windows and vents.

Crimsafe security screens are tested to meet the highest levels in bushfire protection, with Fire-Tuff® stainless steel mesh specifically designed to a size and shape (1.5mm x 1.5mm aperture) that meets the requirements of the Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 bushfire protection guidelines.