Many homes around Warragul, Drouin, Neerim South, Rokeby, Buln Buln and the rural parts of Baw Baw Shire sit near grassland, bush or forest. Preparing your home before each fire season is an important part of living in the country. This guide covers the practical handyman jobs that help. It is not a substitute for official advice: check the CFA’s current guidance, understand your property’s risk, and make a bushfire plan with your household.

Why embers matter

Many homes lost in bushfires are ignited by embers rather than direct flames. Embers can be carried by wind well ahead of a fire, landing in gutters full of leaves, on doormats, in woodpiles, and entering through gaps in the building. Reducing the places where embers can land and ignite, and sealing gaps where they can enter, helps protect your home.

Clean gutters

Dry leaves in gutters are an easy target for embers. Clean gutters before summer and check them during the season, especially on homes under trees. Metal gutter guards can reduce leaf build-up, but still need checking. See gutter cleaning.

Remove debris and fuel near the house

• Clear dry leaves, bark and twigs from around the house, under decks and against walls.
• Move woodpiles, timber offcuts, old furniture and rubbish away from the house.
• Remove doormats and flammable items from decks and verandahs on high-risk days.
• Keep grass short around the home.
• Trim shrubs back from walls and windows.

We can take away small loads of rubbish and green waste. See odd jobs and rubbish removal.

Seal gaps

Embers can enter through surprisingly small gaps:

• Gaps under eaves and where the roof meets the walls.
• Gaps around doors and windows.
• Gaps under external doors; fit door seals.
• Gaps around pipes and cables entering the house.
• Gaps under decks and between deck boards and walls.

Gaps can be sealed with suitable non-combustible materials or fire-rated sealants. Roof gaps on steep or high roofs are for a roofer.

Cover vents and openings

Fit fine metal mesh over wall vents, subfloor vents and other openings. Metal flyscreen mesh on windows and doors is more resistant to embers than standard mesh. Check current guidance on mesh specifications.

Decks and verandahs

Timber decks and verandahs can catch embers. Keep them clear of leaves and flammable items, enclose the space under elevated decks where suitable, and replace rotten or cracked boards. See deck repairs.

Water and access

Make sure hoses reach all sides of the house, taps work, and gates and driveways allow access for fire vehicles. Rural properties may have specific water supply recommendations; check CFA guidance.

Sheds and outbuildings

Clean gutters on sheds, clear debris around them, and store fuels and chemicals safely away from the house.

What a handyman cannot do

We do not do electrical work, plumbing for sprinkler systems, roofing on steep roofs, tree felling or asbestos removal. Large trees should be assessed by a qualified arborist. Building upgrades to meet bushfire construction standards may need a builder.

Get help

We can help work through your fire season preparation list. Send it through our free quote form.