Summer in Australia is synonymous with bush fires. Every year the danger posed is dependent on the environmental conditions that precede summer. In 2013, Sydney in particular appears headed into a deadly bush fire season. Fires have started early, and with such ferocity that calls for preparation and planning began in early September – after one home had already been lost.
Do you realise that houses can be lost, not as a result of an initial firestorm, but by embers catching and igniting? To prevent damage from embers, those with properties in Sydney’s bushy areas, including the Northern Beaches, have been warned to be aware of the dangers, and take steps to mitigate them.
However, we find that it is often the simple bushfire planning and preparation measures, such as cleaning gutters, that are the ones homeowners often leave until the last minute, or until it is too late. And there is really no reason to ignore gutter cleaning – Sydney and Northern Beaches experts like our JEDI Plumbing team can do it for you.
Barrenjoey Headland Example
Residents on Sydney’s northern beaches were reminded just how quickly fire danger can turn into an emergency with the recent blaze across Barrenjoey Headland. The fire occurred before the statutory bushfire season started, and even put the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse at risk.
Before residents in nearby suburbs could prepare their homes for the arrival of flying embers, the whole east side of the headland was engulfed by flames fanned by strong, hot winds.
Reducing the Bush Fire Threat To Your Property
Leaf debris is extremely flammable, especially in gutters. An audit of your property, looking at everything flammable should be conducted to ensure fire risks are removed.
Clear Wood and Leaves
-Clear gutters of leaf debris and consider some form of guard for your gutter
-Remove any stockpiled wood left over from the winter
-Prune any trees or branches close to the house
-Keep grass neat, trimmed and clear of leaves.
Other Flammable Material
-Recycle any newspaper or cardboard
-Move flammable liquids and paint to a shed, or similar, away from the house
-Face valves on LP Gas bottles away from the house.
General Readiness
-Ensure a good, unbroken garden hose is on hand
-Consider a pump if you have a pool so that pool water can be used by fire authorities
-Insurance needs to be up-to-date and cover bush fires.
When fire is upon you in Sydney it can be too late to take action on these.
Other Reasons for Gutter Cleaning in Sydney
Clear gutters contribute to the overall structural well-being of a house. Removing leaf debris and plant material from gutters therefore should be part of your regular home maintenance schedule.
This may not be practical, especially for older residents, or in areas where gutters can be notoriously difficult to access safely. In these cases, it is important for you to seek advice on how to protect gutters from clogging. Our JEDI Plumbing team is happy to discuss this with you.
If you are in a bush fire prone area in Sydney’s northern beaches, we are also happy to advise on other plumbing-related measures to take fore fire-preparedness, including convenient location for outside taps and hoses, and their relocation if necessary.
We can check for gutter health, leaks and other water wastage which can significantly decrease much needed water pressure in a fire, recommend the best type of hosing and fixtures, and even suggest a portable pump for use in a fire emergency.
This bushfire season, don’t risk being caught out by the effects of a fire like the one on Sydney’s Barrenjoey Headland. Have a fire prevention plan prepared and ensure your gutters are free from debris.
For gutter cleaning, Sydney and Northern Beaches, the JEDI Plumbing team is at your service.