Is your garden and home prepared for the bushfire season?
It doesn’t matter if you live rural, semi rural or suburban – everyone in Australia is at risk to a bushfire during the dreaded bushfire season. The Dickies Team have witnessed house fires that could have been prevented by simply clearing out their gutters. Keep reading to discover simple ways you could save you and your families lives and homes from bushfires this Summer.
1. Clear gutters: During Winter your gutters become filled with damp leaves, although in Summer these leaves and debris dry out and become extremely flammable. Give us a call on 9249 4077 if you’re needing gutters cleared.
2. Prune: This one is so important! Trees that hang their branches over your house can be fuel to a fire and will lead the flames straight to your roof. Make sure all branches are pruned safely.
3. Lawn maintenance: Ensure that your lawn is not left long and grassy, as this will dry out in summer and become very flammable. Also take some time to rake leaves around the garden
4. Purchase a hose: It’s important in the case of a house fire that your whole home has access to water as this may be your opportunity to put out a small fire. Purchase a long hose that can stretch the entire perimeter of your home, or install a few at different points of your home e.g. front yard, backyard and the side of your home.
5. Insurance: Give your insurance provider a call and double check everything is in order. Your family’s safety is the most important thing, although your financial well-being should also be a priority – especially in the case of a damaging house fire.
6. Choose the right plants: This is something you may have never considered – the oil content of your plants can increase the risk of house fires. When purchasing plants at your local nursery, ask for their advice on fire safe and low oil content plants.
7. Visibility: Ensure the front of your home is not shaded with large overhanging trees shrubs and branches. There should be a clear path from your front door to the street, and your house number should be visible in the case of an emergency.
8. Have a plan: Do you and your family have an evacuation plan in place? This could save your lives, and is so important that you create one today! Also, remember to include your pets into this plan.
If you have any garden concerns or questions approaching the bush fire season, give us a call on 9249 4077. We are always happy to talk with you and walk you through the services we offer, to ensure you and your family have a safe and fire free Summer!
Also, have you checked your neighbourhood Clearance zones? – As they vary throughout Perth. To find out what your area’s clearance zone is, go to www.westernpower.com.au and read the tree and power line safety brochure. Western Power advises that:
– In urban areas, the minimum clearances are typically 2.5 metres to the side and 2 metres below
– In semi-rural and rural areas the minimum clearances are typically 4 metres to the side and 2.5 metres below
Western Power will inspect any trees that are overhanging or near power lines and if there is a risk Dickies Trees will receive cutting data and maps. A team is then sent out to clear the area, it’s as simple as that!
And remember, ALWAYS call the Fire Department on 000 in the case of an Emergency.
Dickies Trees are qualified arborists and tree surgeons with 30 years of experience. We specialise in all professional tree services, including tree removal, tree stump grinding, tree lopping and power line clearance. We can even deliver mulch!
We offer seven days a week service and after hours/emergency call-outs. As a major government, shire and business contractor, we are extremely professional and fully insured. We offer you exceptional, reliable service.
