Bushfire Safety & Survival Tip #6

Safety tips for your house

  • Install your house with smoke alarms, test them regularly and replace the battery at least once a year.
  • Spark-proof your home, such as fitting wire screens to windows and doors, to prevent burning embers flying through.
  • Close under floor space and seal gaps around the house.
  • Store flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel fuel and hazardous chemicals safely away from the house.
  • Create a 20-metre fuel free zone by clearing away timber, vegetation and rubbish from around your house, sheds and outbuildings.
  • Remove branches which overhang the roof.
  • Keep grass around the house short and green.
  • Prepare a safe storage box where you can easily place important documents, photos, valuables and medication in a hurry.
  • Make sure that doors and windows can easily be opened from the inside and keep keys readily available.

This information has been prepared based on information published by Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA), 2010, Farm Fire Safety. http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au/internet/upload/shared/docs/Farm_ Fire_Safety_3-05.pdf and The Homeowner's Bush Fire Survival Manual. http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au/internet/default.aspx?MenuID=370&ContentID=562 are to be used as guidelines only.