A well prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire than one that hasn't been prepared. A well prepared home:

Ways to protect your home:

Even if you plan to leave early, there is a greater chance that your home will survive if you have undertaken preparations. For more information read the How buildings burn fact sheet.

To protect your house it is vital that you prevent sparks and burning material from entering through windows, under doors and/or under floor boards. You can do this by:

Most homes ignite when sparks or burning embers blow under tiles and start burning roofing timbers or accumulated litter. Metal roofing offers more protection provided it is firmly secured and sealed around vents, skylights, fascias and roof caps.

Underfloor areas that are not enclosed allow sparks and embers to penetrate. If these areas are used to store timber, firewood, or other flammable materials, the risk is increased. Make sure that underfloor areas are kept clear of flammable material during summer.

Crevices where embers can collect are potential ignition points. Cracks under doors, on window ledges, windows, or along verandas are particularly vulnerable. Vents into the house structure are also common entry points for sparks. They should be covered in fine wire mesh to prevent embers from getting into walls, roof cavity areas or through windows.

Reducing the amount of vegetation on a property is one of the most critical components of preparing for bushfires.

Before the fire season you can:

Other things you can do include:

You can do some things in each season to make sure you keep your home and property prepared.

In winter take advantage of the cooler weather to clean up your property and ember proof your home.

In spring get ready for the impending Fire Danger Season

During summer maintain your preparedness through the Fire Danger Season

In autumn clean up after summer