How To Prepare For A Fire-Safe Summer

Summer is only a few months away. While warmer weather brings about beach trips, blue skies, and big smiles, it also means an increased risk of fire. So, follow these helpful tips to get yourself, your family, and your house fire-ready for summer.

Protect

Your first priority when preparing for fire season should be installing and maintaining smoke detectors in your home. It’s important to have a working smoke detector on every level. As well as in kitchens and sleeping areas. If you already have smoke detectors, check that they are working, and replace batteries as needed.

It’s also a good idea to have at least one fire extinguisher in your home. Keep your extinguisher in the kitchen, for easy access in an emergency.

Prepare

A little preparation can go a long way during fire season. For inside your home, ensure that every room has two exits (usually a door, and a window). And make sure that hallways and areas leading to exits are free of debris and clutter.

For outside your home, remove any flammable items. Regularly clean out gutters or install metal gutter guards to keep them leaf-free all year round. Remove loose branches and grass clippings from your property, and make sure your grass is mowed regularly. And if you want to be extra prepared—remove plants with high oil content, such as cypress and eucalyptus trees. Replace these with fire-resistant plants like citrus trees and magnolias.

Plan

Now that you’ve protected and prepared your house, it’s time to plan. Create a simple and clear fire escape plan in case of a house or bushfire. Choose a safe, nearby meeting place—in the event of a bushfire, this could be a nearby oval or lake. Or for a housefire, this could be a nearby clearing or neighbours house. Communicate the meeting place and exit route with every family member. And practice executing your plan at least twice a year. Also, share your plan with your loved ones, so they know where to find you in case of an emergency.

If you could use some assistance preparing for fire season, After-Care can help. Our in home care services include a range of options, from cleaning, home maintenance and decluttering, to gardening and outdoor maintenance. Click here to see our list of services and contact us today.