Climate change has become an important part of every government’s agenda. As the number of natural disasters appears to be increasing, you have to start asking yourself what the biggest risk is and what you can do to protect yourself.
One of the biggest issues in many parts of Australia is grassfires and bushfires. These can be started very easily and then grow into an almost uncontrollable beast. If your home is in the path of fire you’re going to need to start praying.
Of course, there are measures that you can take today to help prevent grassfires or bushfires attacking your home.
Cut The Grass
It’s much easier for grass to catch alight if it’s long and dry. The sun takes care of drying it and if you don’t keep it cut it will grow long, allowing a wildfire to spread quickly.
Cutting it every two weeks may seem tedious but it will help if you have a bush fire nearby.
Trim or Fell Trees
Trees can also burn, especially once the grassfire gets going. The closer the tree is to your home the more likely it is that the fire can spread from the tree to your house.
If you have trees close to or touching, your home, then get tree removals Sydney to extract the tree and reduce your fire risk.
If they are further away you can simply trim the trees, you may want to speak to a professional regarding which is the best course of action.
Use Mulch & Pebbles
Anything made of stone is not going to burn, equally, mulch is full of moisture and won’t burn easily. That makes these two materials a good choice for creating a border around your garden.
If a fire does approach your property then the pebbles or moist mulch can prevent the fire from getting onto your property.
You can even landscape in a concrete border to reduce the risk.
Don’t forget that your mulch, and your lawn, will need to be watered regularly to ensure they stay moist. Of course, you’ll need to comply with local water regulations as well.
Combustible Materials
You shouldn’t store any combustible materials next to your house. Ideally, they should be at least 10 ft away from the house walls, although if possible you should eliminate the material altogether.
If necessary you can store combustible materials in your home, in-line with insurance requirements. However, be aware that a woodpile in your garage will attract pests that could start eating the wood in your home.
Have A Hose ready
It’s a good idea to have a hose ready. This means it should be connected to the water supply and long enough to reach every part of your garden.
Although you shouldn’t tackle a huge blaze, if you’re faced with a small grass or bush fire, your hosepipe will help to stop it from getting to your home.
It’s a good idea to have a personal protection kit near the hose. This should be gloves, hats, boots, long-sleeved top, and even cotton trousers. All things that won’t burn easily or melt to your skin.
Check The Hydrants
The fire service will maintain the hydrants for you but, they are not there all the time. That means you should ensure the hydrants are always accessible, an obstruction can make it difficult or impossible for the fire service to get the water they need.
You know your area and are in a good position to monitor the hydrants and make sure they stay clear. It’s for your safety and everyone in your neighborhood.
