**Practical tips to boost your home’s bushfire resilience**
As bushfire seasons become longer and more intense in many regions of Australia due to changing climate conditions, the importance of preparing homes to withstand bushfire threats has become a critical focus for residents. Communities in bushfire-prone areas are increasingly being encouraged to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of property damage and improve their safety. A recent article published on the NAB News website provides practical measures homeowners can take to bolster the bushfire resilience of their properties. This article explores verified tips and strategies mentioned in NAB’s publication and corroborated by other reliable sources.
One of the foundational recommendations for improving a home’s bushfire resilience is to maintain a well-cleared area around the property to reduce fuel loads. According to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW), removing dry leaves, dead branches, fallen twigs, and other combustible materials from areas around the home can significantly decrease the likelihood of a fire spreading to the structure. Keeping grass trimmed to no more than a few centimetres high is also advised. The NAB article reinforces these measures and adds that creating a 20-30 metre defendable space around the home is considered a key part of bushfire preparation.
The maintenance of gutters is another critical step highlighted. Blocked gutters filled with leaves and vegetation can act as a fire hazard, as embers carried by winds during a bushfire can ignite these materials and spread flames to the roof. NAB’s guide suggests cleaning gutters regularly, particularly before the bushfire season begins, to eliminate any debris. For those seeking an additional layer of protection, installing ember guards or leaf mesh over gutters can help prevent build-up and minimise fire risks. These suggestions are also supported by guidance from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), which notes that ember attacks are a primary cause of property damage during bushfires.
Roof maintenance and design considerations are also addressed in NAB’s article and supported by broader fire preparedness resources. Ensuring that roofs are in good condition, with no gaps where embers can enter, is essential. Homeowners are encouraged to check the junctions of roofs and walls for any openings that could allow embers to penetrate. Sealants or fire-resistant mesh can be used to close any visible gaps. If building or renovating in a high-risk area, opting for roofing materials such as metal or other non-combustible materials is recommended.
The article further advises homeowners to use non-flammable materials for decking, fencing, and external cladding wherever possible. This aligns with recommendations from the Australian Institute of Architects, which state that selecting materials such as metal, fibre-cement, or treated and bushfire-rated timber for external areas can reduce the combustibility of a property. Bushfire shutters or fire-resistant windows and doors are also recommended, as these can provide additional barriers against radiant heat and ember attacks.
Garden design and landscaping choices can play a pivotal role in bushfire resilience. The NAB article highlights the importance of selecting plants with low oil content and high moisture content, as these are less likely to ignite during a bushfire. Examples of such plants include succulents, deciduous trees, and certain varieties of native shrubs. Planting trees and shrubs at a safe distance from the house—preferably with no overhanging branches—is also suggested. Expert advice from the CSIRO supports these strategies, noting that well-maintained gardens with fire-smart plants can act as an effective firebreak.
There is also a strong emphasis on the proper storage of flammable materials. Gas bottles, firewood, and other combustible items should be stored away from the home and securely contained to prevent them from catching fire and spreading flames to the larger structure. The NAB article directly aligns with advice given by state fire services, which recommend maintaining a minimum distance of at least 10 metres between the house and any storage of flammable materials.
NAB’s advice also extends to improving accessibility for emergency services. Homeowners are encouraged to clear driveways and access routes to allow fire trucks and personnel to reach the property in the event of an emergency. Gates should be wide enough to accommodate emergency vehicles, and water tanks or swimming pools should be fitted with compatible fire hose fittings wherever possible. This advice is consistent with the recommendations provided in bushfire preparedness plans from rural fire services across Australia.
Property owners are additionally advised to keep an emergency bushfire survival plan in place. A significant focus of the NAB article is on planning ahead and ensuring that all residents are aware of evacuation routes and procedures. Ready-to-go emergency kits that include items such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, protective clothing, and battery-powered communication devices are a key part of this preparation. The article emphasises the need to practise these plans regularly.
For those building new homes or renovating existing properties in bushfire-prone areas, adhering to Australian building standards for construction in bushfire zones (AS 3959:2018) is strongly recommended. These standards provide specific requirements for materials, design, and construction methods based on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of the property. The guidance emphasised by NAB aligns with these national standards, highlighting the importance of compliance to improve safety.
While NAB’s article provides a range of tangible measures to boost bushfire resilience, it also reiterates that no single action can entirely eliminate risk. Rather, a combination of strategies, regular maintenance, and close attention to advice from local fire authorities can collectively minimise vulnerability. NAB notes that bushfire preparedness should be treated as a year-round commitment, with regular checks and updates to ensure that homes and properties remain ready for potential risks.
Although the practical tips provided in NAB’s publication are useful for many Australians, questions remain regarding the accessibility and financial feasibility of implementing some of these measures, particularly for households with limited resources. Additionally, while the strategies outlined in NAB’s guide focus on improving individual property safety, mitigating bushfire risks also requires broader community efforts, along with government support and infrastructure planning. These aspects require further exploration and remain an ongoing area of public discourse.
In conclusion, preparing homes to withstand bushfires is a multi-faceted process that involves a combination of proactive steps, material choices, and regular maintenance. By implementing the strategies outlined above, homeowners can improve their resilience against one of Australia’s most challenging natural threats. For those seeking more personalised advice, consulting local fire authorities and building experts is recommended to tailor preventive measures to specific circumstances.
References:
1. “Practical tips to boost your home’s bushfire resilience” – NAB News, accessed via provided link.
2. Country Fire Authority (CFA) bushfire safety guides.
3. Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) bushfire preparedness resources.
4. New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) guidelines for protecting homes.
5. Australian Institute of Architects recommendations for bushfire-resilient design.
6. CSIRO publications on fire-smart landscaping.
7. Australian Building Codes Board – AS 3959:2018 information on building standards in bushfire-prone areas.