Here is a simple task that will save you precious time in a bushfire. Make a list of trouble spots around your home These are the places that could trap combustible debris – every home has them. You will need to check them before, during and after a fire to ensure burning embers can’t get […]

Bush fires and other emergencies are testing times for everyone, but with a bit of planning and preparation you’ll have greater peace of mind now and in the event of an emergency. There are some amazing services and free resources for people with disability, the aged and their carers. Below is a quick run down and some links. First lets […]

The 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires burnt an unprecedented area of land in the Blue Mountains. Four major fires impacted at different times: Gospers Mountain Fire, Ruined Castle Fire, Green Wattle Fire and Erskine Ridge Fire. Despite this, large areas of unburnt bush remain, painting a green corridor from west to east, right across the Great Western Highway […]

Do not underestimate the importance of contingency plans – your future self will thank you! The dreaded ‘What ifs’: But I’m never home on Tuesdays… But we are minding the nephew on Saturday… The car is at the mechanics until Thursday… The fire is already at my back door… There are some things we have absolutely […]

Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, safety is the main concern and is the responsibility of both parties. Find out more, including some legal advice from Blue Mountains Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service. Most tenancy agreements require some yard maintenance and prompt reporting of any maintenance issues and things in need of repair such as cracked roof tiles, […]

There are may simple changes that you can make to your garden and buildings that greatly increase their chances of withstanding a bush fire. Below is a checklist to help you get started, and links to other tools and information. The most appropriate improvements to your property will vary depending on your location and the […]

Insurance is not a dirty word! Tradie advice: Don’t get caught being under insured. Check if your policy will cover the costs of re-building a home that meets strict fire safety standards. A home valuation company can provide an independent estimate. Stories emerged after the 2013 fires of people who were unable to re-build on […]

Here is some fundamental stuff that you need to understand about fire ratings and warning systems. Understanding these things will help you make the best choices when a bush fire is reported near you. Before a fire even starts Monitor the Fire Danger Rating daily at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr. The higher the fire danger rating, the more dangerous, erratic and difficult […]

Flames, radiant heat, flying embers… Risk can vary greatly based on your location and surrounds, but put simply, there is no house in the Blue Mountains that is immune from the impact of a bush fire. A bit of hard yakka will pay you back in volumes during a bush fire event. It’s time to […]

Pets needs are often forgotten and left to the last minute because they don’t know how to remind you to plan for them too. Understand that not all emergency shelters can safely accommodate animals so it’s best to plan ahead where you could take them. Ideally, getting them to a friend or relatives’ place well […]