Here’s how you can help keep your home and neighbourhood bushfire safe
As Australia prepares for another potentially intense bushfire season, it is imperative for communities to take proactive steps in mitigating the risk of fire damage to their homes and surrounding areas. Bushfires are a natural and recurring part of the Australian landscape, but the increasing intensity and frequency due to changing weather conditions and urban expansion necessitate preparedness and vigilance at both an individual and community level.
A number of strategies have been identified that homeowners and residents can adopt to reduce the risk of bushfires and improve safety. The starting point often involves ensuring that properties are well-maintained to limit the availability of flammable materials. This includes keeping lawns mowed, trimming trees, and creating a defensible space around homes by removing dry vegetation, leaves, and twigs. Councils and fire services across the country also emphasise the importance of clearing gutters regularly, as these areas can easily collect dry debris that is highly combustible.
A key piece of advice for homeowners is to have a bushfire survival plan in place. Fire authorities encourage all households living in bushfire-prone areas to create and practise such a plan well in advance of peak fire season. A comprehensive plan outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a list of essential items to take in the event of an evacuation order. For those planning to remain and defend their property, the plan should include measures to ensure sufficient water supplies, appropriate equipment, and understanding the physical and mental challenges of firefighting during extreme conditions.
Building and property design also play a role in safeguarding homes from bushfires. Recent modifications to building codes in bushfire-prone areas require the use of fire-resistant materials and design elements, such as metal mesh screens on windows and vents to block embers. For existing homes, retrofitting can include replacing wooden fencing with non-combustible alternatives, sealing gaps to prevent ember intrusion, and installing shutters, which can provide an additional layer of protection.
While much attention is often concentrated on individual properties, the broader neighbourhood plays an equally important part in bushfire preparedness. Collaborative initiatives are strongly advised, where neighbours work together to reduce risk. This collaboration can involve shared efforts, such as clearing common areas, creating neighbourhood safety groups, and participating in organised fire drills. In some regions, fire authorities hold community briefings to educate residents on local risks and guide planning and preparation. Residents are encouraged to attend these sessions as it provides an opportunity to ask questions, clarify responsibilities, and strengthen collective action.
Technology has also emerged as a significant tool in bushfire safety. Homeowners are encouraged to download bushfire and emergency apps provided by state and territory fire services, which deliver real-time updates on bushfire threats, evacuation notices, and fire behaviour. The use of these tools can play a vital role in providing timely information and enabling quick responses during bushfire events.
In many cases, the risk factors extend beyond actions taken at a residential level. Land management by local councils and government initiatives often determines how vulnerable a region may be during fire season. Controlled burns, the clearing of fire trails, and maintaining access to areas of dense bushland are common methods aimed at reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled bushfires. Residents are advised to support and cooperate with such initiatives and stay informed about fire prevention efforts in their area.
It is also critical to note that being adequately insured is part of ensuring preparedness for a bushfire event. Property owners are generally encouraged to review their insurance policies to make sure their coverage matches the potential risks. Underinsurance can often add significant hardship in the aftermath of a disaster, and insurers typically recommend periodic evaluations of both the value of a property and its contents to avoid being caught off guard.
Engaging with local fire services is another piece of the preparedness puzzle. Volunteer firefighting organisations, such as the Rural Fire Service or the Country Fire Authority, actively recruit community members and provide training on fire safety procedures. Even for those who do not volunteer, understanding how these organisations operate and what they recommend during times of emergency can be highly beneficial.
Efforts in bushfire prevention and readiness are most effective when everyone plays a part. While homeowners in bushfire-prone areas bear a significant amount of responsibility for immediate protective measures, collective efforts combined with government intervention create a more robust level of safety. During the peak fire season, vigilance, readiness, and cooperation are critical factors in keeping homes and neighbourhoods as safe as possible.
At this stage, it is unclear how the upcoming fire season in Australia will unfold. Past trends suggest that the combination of dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds creates a significant risk for many rural and urban areas near bushland. However, official meteorological data and fire service predictions will offer a clearer perspective as the season progresses. Experts recommend treating every season as one with high risk to ensure proactive preparation becomes a lifelong practice in the face of bushfire threats.
References:
1. Original article from Region Illawarra – “Here’s how you can help keep your home and neighbourhood bushfire safe.”
2. NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) – Official guidance on bushfire survival plans and preparedness.
3. Country Fire Authority (CFA) – Recommendations on community preparedness and property maintenance.
4. Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) – Data on weather patterns and bushfire risk forecasting.
5. Australian Building Codes Board – Information on bushfire-resilient building standards in bushfire-prone areas.
6. Local government and council communications – Updates on controlled burns, fire trails, and community briefings.
This information was compiled on the basis of verified official sources and community preparedness initiatives, ensuring factual accuracy and relying on widely accepted best practices.