As the weather gets warmer the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is urging homeowners, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to make sure they are prepared for the fire season.
The VBA wants locals to take the necessary steps to make sure they are protected from bushfires.
The VBA’s state building surveyor, Andrew Cialini, said Victoria is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world, so it is important to make sure you prepare your home early.
“Being prepared early is key, don’t wait until it’s too late, start updating your survival plans now and get your home ready for fire season,” he said.
“Steps you can take now include clearing leaves from gutters and installing leaf-guards, as well as protecting evaporative coolers with properly sized metal bushfire mesh screens.”
Mr Cialini said homeowners can get in contact with a registered building practitioner to see how they can retrofit their properties with additional safety features, as part of their bushfire survival plan.
“There are easy and affordable things owners can do to protect their properties from things like ember attack,” he said.
“You can seal gaps in the external walls and eaves with silicone, put silicon weather strips and draught excluders on windows and external doors, cover vents in external walls with metal bushfire mesh and seal around roofing joints and roof penetrations.”
The VBA also recommends homeowners to remove overhanging tree branches, trim grass so its short and clean up other debris that could easily catch fire. Additionally, the VBA advises locals to ensure their property is accessible for emergency vehicles and has a water supply for firefighting.
Find out more ways to keep your home safe from bushfire on the VBA website and tips on home protection from the Country Fire Authority.
