Bushfire season creeps up on most households. One week the gutters are full of winter leaves and the next there is a hot, dry northerly blowing. A few hours of work in spring can make a real difference to how a home copes with embers. Most of these jobs are ordinary home maintenance done a little earlier than usual.
This post walks through the main jobs on the roof, around the walls and out in the garden. It draws on guidance from the NSW and Queensland governments. Fire services in every state publish similar checklists, and timing differs around the country. Check your own state fire service for local advice and dates.
Start with the roof and gutters
Gutters are the obvious first job. The NSW Government says to clean your gutters of debris and install metal gutter guards. Queensland’s guidance also mentions clearing leaves and bark from the roof itself. Dry leaves left sitting in a gutter are easy fuel for embers.
While you are up there, look at the roof tiles. NSW advises repairing damaged or missing tiles. Queensland suggests checking that roof seals are intact so embers cannot get in. It also says to avoid storing anything that burns in the roof cavity.
Ladders and safety
Roof and gutter work means time on a ladder. Set it on firm, level ground and have someone nearby. If your roof is steep or high, it may be worth paying a tradesperson. A fall does far more harm than a full gutter.
Close the gaps where embers get in
Embers are tiny and they find small openings. The NSW Government suggests fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors. It also advises fitting seals around doors and windows to remove gaps. Repair or cover any gaps in external walls as well.
Queensland’s checklist adds a few details. Repair split or cracked window frames and broken glass. Keep screens in good repair and consider steel wire mesh for vents and weep holes. Close shutters when the home is left empty during the season.
If you have shutters, check they open and close freely before summer. Indoor shutters are a different product, and our post on PVC plantation shutters compares PVC and timber for inside the home. For embers it is the external shutters and screens that count.
Under the house and around the walls
Raised homes have space underneath that collects junk. The NSW Government suggests enclosing the areas under the house. Queensland says to check underfloor cladding for holes and cracks and to clear vents of debris. It also advises keeping things like lawnmowers and boats away from the house.
Clutter is the main problem here. Old timber, cardboard boxes and fuel cans all burn. If you are mid renovation and short on room, moving spare items off site for the season may help. Our article on storage rental during a home renovation covers that option.
Walls need a look too. Queensland says damaged or missing panels, sheeting and cladding should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Seal gaps in timber where you find them. Small fixes now are easier than a big repair later.
Decks and verandahs
Decks sit right against the house, so they matter. Queensland suggests solid decking that does not burn where possible. It also says to clear debris from around decks and keep any plants on the verandah well maintained. Use ceramic or concrete pots and keep them away from doors and windows.
If your timber deck is due for replacement, this is a good time to weigh up other surfaces. Tiled outdoor areas are one option many homes use. Our guide on how to choose the right tiles for your home compares tile materials and finishes. Talk to your builder or council about bushfire rules if you live in a mapped bushfire area.
Gas bottles often sit on or near a verandah. NSW suggests storing them as far from the house as possible with the outlet pointing away. Queensland also says to point LPG cylinder relief valves away from the house. It takes a minute to check.
The garden and the yard
The garden is where many people spend most of their preparation time. The NSW Government suggests keeping lawns short and gardens maintained. Prune plants that overhang buildings. Clean up debris and dispose of green waste regularly.
Leaves, sticks and firewood stacked against the house are a risk. NSW advises removing flammable items like these. Have hoses long enough to reach the front and back of the house. Test them before the hot weather arrives.
Sloping blocks need extra thought. Steep gardens are often harder to mow, prune and keep clear of leaves. Our post on the principles of hillside landscaping has ideas for planning a slope that is easier to maintain.
Rainwater tanks and water supply
A tank can be a useful water supply in summer. NSW suggests keeping the roof catchment clear of overhanging branches. Install first flush diverters, leaf stoppers on downpipes and gutter guards. Make sure the tank is sealed to keep out rodents and mosquitoes.
If you have a pool, tank or dam, NSW suggests a Static Water Supply sign at your property entrance. This tells firefighters there is water on site. NSW also says to disconnect the downpipes from your tank if a bushfire is nearby. Keep your home and contents insurance up to date as well.
The full lists are on the NSW Government bushfire home preparation page and the Queensland Government bushfire season checklist. Both are worth reading even if you live in another state. Your own state fire service will have a plan template and local warnings.
A simple spring routine
None of this needs to happen in one weekend. Many households split the work over a few weeks. A rough order that suits most homes looks like this:
- Clean gutters and check roof tiles and seals
- Seal gaps and repair screens on doors, windows and vents
- Clear clutter from under the house and around the walls
- Tidy decks, move gas bottles and check pot plants
- Mow, prune and remove green waste and loose firewood
- Test hoses and check the rainwater tank
Repeat the quick jobs through summer. Gutters and lawns do not stay clear for long. A short check after each windy spell keeps on top of it.
Frequently asked questions
Are gutter guards worth fitting?
The NSW Government lists metal gutter guards as one of its roof preparation steps. They help keep leaves out of the gutter. You still need to check and clean them from time to time.
Should I wet my walls if a fire is coming?
Queensland’s guidance says not to wet masonry or concrete walls when a bushfire is an imminent threat. Follow your state fire service’s advice and your bushfire plan. Your state fire service also explains when to leave.
Does this matter if I live in the suburbs?
Many suburbs sit next to bushland, parks or grassland. Fire services in every state publish advice for homes near this kind of land. Your state fire service can tell you if your area is at risk.
This is general information only. Bushfire rules and advice differ between states and change over time. Always follow your local fire service and emergency warnings.
