We are fortunate to live so close to such beautiful bushland here on the Northern Beaches, but with this comes the risk of bush fires especially during the warmer months.

Even with the higher levels of rainfall this summer, bush fires can still pose a risk so it’s always important to prepare your home as part of your Bush Fire Survival Plan. A well-prepared home is much more likely to survive a bush fire.

Even if your plan is to leave early, the more you prepare, the more likely your home will survive a bush fire or ember attack.

The NSW Rural Fire Service’s top five tips

1. Trim overhanging trees and shrubs. This can stop the fire from spreading to your home.
2. Mow grass and remove the cuttings. Having a cleared area around your home will give firefighters a safe area to work.
3. Remove material that can burn around your home. This includes things such as doormats, woodpiles, mulch, leaves, outdoor furniture.
4. Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home. Burning embers can set your home on fire.
5. Prepare a sturdy hose/s that will reach all-around your home. Make sure you have a reliable source of water (pool, tank, dam) and a diesel/petrol pump available.

Other permanent actions you can take

• Installing metal gutter guards and fly screens on windows/vents. This will help block embers from entering your home.
• Installing a sprinkler system to gutters or a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign for firefighters if you have a reliable source of water (pool, tank or dam).
• Replacing wooden fences with metal. These can absorb heat during a bush fire.
• Check that you have adequate and current home and contents insurance.

A well-prepared home can be easier for you or firefighters to defend and is less likely to put your neighbours' homes at risk. A well-prepared home will also give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you cannot leave.

Assess your risk and preparations using the NSW Rural Fire Service Bush Fire Household Assessment Tool.

Now is the time to get you, your family and your home ready for bush fire. If you haven’t already, make a Bush Fire Survival Plan. Making a plan on what you’ll do before, during and after a bush fire takes as little as 5 minutes with your family. You could save their lives, as well as your home.

Find out more about being bush fire ready.