The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is calling for householders to prepare their homes for the coming fire season before it’s too late.
State Building Surveyor with the VBA, Andrew Cialini said Victoria was one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, so it was important for people to prepare their homes early.
“Victorians know the impact fire can have all too well, but it’s important we don’t become complacent,” Mr Cialini said.
“The earlier you prepare your home and update your survival plans the better,” he said.
“There are simple steps you can take like 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 could contact a registered building practitioner to find out if they could 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.
“Actions can include sealing gaps in external walls and eaves with silicone, installing silicone weather strips and draught excluders on windows and external doors, covering vents in external walls with metal bushfire mesh and sealing around roofing joints and roof penetrations.”
Mr Cialini said it was important for people to ensure their property was accessible to emergency vehicles and had a water supply for firefighting.
He said homeowners should familiarise themselves with the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) Fire Ready Kit, prepare a bushfire plan and keep updated on fire incidents and warnings on the Vic Emergency website.
Further information on how to prepare for the fire season can be accessed on the CFA’s website at this PS News link.
