Bushfire season home preparation: what to do and who can help

As the weather warms up, it's time to think about bushfire season. Even if your plan is to leave early, a well prepared home is more likely to survive embers, and it's easier for firefighters to defend. Here's a simple checklist for getting your property ready, and when it makes sense to call in a pro.

Why preparing your home matters

The NSW Rural Fire Service says a well prepared home is more likely to survive a bush fire, can be easier for you or firefighters to defend, and is less likely to put your neighbours' homes at risk. It also gives you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you can't leave.

The NSW Government encourages everyone, homeowners and tenants alike, to prepare their property before every bushfire season. If you rent, talk to your landlord or agent about jobs like gutter cleaning and repairs.

Not sure how exposed you are? In NSW you can use the RFS bush fire household assessment tool to work through your property's risk. Other states have their own fire services with similar advice, so check your local fire authority.

Start with the gutters and roof

Gutters full of dry leaves are an easy target for embers. The RFS assessment tool describes gutters as a common source of ignition for houses, and recommends metal wire gutter guards in bush fire areas because they help stop leaf litter building up.

Before the season:

• clean leaves and twigs out of gutters and roof valleys
• consider fitting metal gutter guards
• repair damaged or missing roof tiles so embers can't get into the roof space
• check flashing and gaps around vents, skylights and the roofline

If you're not safe on a ladder, book a gutter cleaning service. In Sydney there are gutter cleaners in Sydney you can search on Find My Tradie. For broken tiles or loose sheets, a roofer can inspect the roof and quote on repairs.

Seal the gaps embers can get through

Embers can blow into small gaps well ahead of a fire front. The NSW Government's checklist suggests:

• installing fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors
• fitting seals around doors and windows to close gaps
• enclosing the areas under the house
• repairing or covering gaps in external walls

A builder, carpenter or handyman can help with screens, seals and enclosing subfloors. Ask them about materials, since metal mesh is what the official advice recommends.

Tidy the garden and yard

What grows and sits around your house matters as much as the house itself. The CFA's property preparation guide in Victoria suggests keeping grass short, using pebbles or rocks instead of flammable mulch, keeping woodpiles away from the house and not having large shrubs next to or under windows.

A practical list:

• mow lawns and keep them short through summer
• rake up fallen leaves, twigs, loose bark and other debris
• dispose of green waste regularly rather than piling it up
• move woodpiles, doormats and other flammable items away from the house
• store gas bottles away from the house with the outlet pointing away from it, as the NSW Government advises

For bigger clean-ups, a landscaper can help redesign garden beds near the house, and a rubbish removal service can take away green waste.

Trees and overhanging branches

Cut back trees and shrubs that overhang your roof. The CFA guide also suggests pruning the lower branches of shrubs to separate them from fuel on the ground, and keeping shrubs well away from tree branches.

Before you cut, check your local council's rules on pruning and removing trees, as these vary and some trees are protected. For large trees or anything near the house, hire a qualified, insured arborist. Never prune near power lines yourself. Contact your electricity distributor instead.

Water, hoses and access

Make sure you have hoses long enough to reach around the front and back of your house. If you have a pool, tank or dam, the RFS suggests putting a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign at your property entrance so firefighters know where they can get water.

If you have a rainwater tank, the NSW Government suggests keeping the roof catchment clear of overhanging branches and using gutter guards, leaf stoppers and first-flush diverters. It also advises disconnecting downpipes from the tank if a bushfire is nearby.

A plumber can help with tank connections, diverters and outdoor taps.

On days of high fire danger

When hot, dry and windy weather is forecast, don't leave things until the last minute. The CFA suggests removing doormats, moving outdoor furniture and pot plants away from the house, checking your gutters again and making sure gas bottles are secure.

Leaving early is always the safest option. If you're thinking about staying to defend your home, talk to your local fire service first, as it requires far more preparation and carries serious risk.

Paperwork and planning

• Insurance: check your home and contents policy is current and covers your situation, as the RFS recommends.
• Bush fire survival plan: agree as a household on when you'll leave, where you'll go and what you'll take.
• Warnings: know where to get official alerts for your state, such as your state fire service's website and app.

Booking tradies before the season

Tradies who do gutters, roofs and tree work get busy once the weather heats up, so book early. A few tips:

1. Get two or three written quotes for bigger jobs like roof repairs or tree removal.
2. Check the tradie's licence where your state requires one. Our guide to checking a tradie's licence explains how.
3. Ask about public liability insurance, especially for work at height or with trees.
4. Ask for before and after photos of gutters and roof work so you can see what was done.

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Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.