Summer in Cardinia brings two kinds of risk: hot, windy days with bushfire danger, especially in the hills, and sudden storms after cool changes that bring down branches, flood gutters and flatten fences. Much of the preparation overlaps. This guide is general information; for your fire plan, follow CFA advice, and for building compliance talk to a registered builder or bushfire assessor.

Start with the gutters

Leaves and bark in gutters are fuel for embers and a cause of overflow in storms. Clear gutters, roof valleys and box gutters before summer, and again during heavy leaf drop. Check that downpipes flow freely and discharge away from the house. Gutter guards reduce the load but still need clearing on top.

Close the gaps embers use

Most homes lost in bushfires are ignited by embers, sometimes long after the fire front has passed. Walk around the house and look for gaps of a few millimetres or more:

• Under and around external doors: fit seals and door bottoms
• Around window frames: seal with a suitable sealant
• Eaves, fascias and where roof meets wall
• Vents and weep holes: fit fine metal mesh where suitable
• Sub-floor openings under raised homes and decks
• Gaps around pipes and cables entering the house

Screens and mesh

Fibreglass flyscreens melt; metal mesh screens resist embers better and last longer. Replace torn screens before summer.

Clear around and under the house

Move firewood, doormats, outdoor cushions, bins, timber offcuts and fuel containers away from walls and out from under decks. Keep the area close to the house clear of dry leaves and mulch.

Fences, gates and loose items

Before storm season, check fence posts for rot and lean, fix loose palings and rails, make sure gates latch firmly, and secure trampolines, shade sails and outdoor furniture. A gate that opens easily also matters if you need to leave in a hurry.

Trees

Overhanging branches drop leaves into gutters and can fall in storms. Tree work needs an arborist, and some trees need council permission.

Water and access

Make sure your property number is clear from the road, your driveway is accessible and tank water, if you have it, is protected by clean gutters and screens.

After a storm

Check for fallen branches, damaged fences, blocked gutters and torn screens. Stay clear of fallen powerlines and call the relevant emergency service.

How we can help

We clean gutters, seal gaps, fit mesh and seals, clear combustibles, repair fences and gates and secure outdoor items. We don’t do BAL assessments, tree felling, roofing beyond small items or electrical work. See gutter cleaning, fence repairs and gates and window and flyscreen repairs, or get a free quote.