Tips to better prepare for wildfires this summer

Starting in the early hours of 4 October 2020 and continuing for nine days, the devastating wildfire at Lake Ōhau became one of the most significant wildfire incidents in New Zealand’s recent history.

ith hectares of land burned and homes and structures destroyed it was an event local fire crew and residents will never forget and one they hope never to e perience again. ith temperatures rising and this dangerous season nearly upon us again it s time to think about what we can all do to minimise our risk of fire devastation.

Like with most things in life being prepared will always stand people in good stead should disaster strike. t s easy to think that you don t live close enough to danger and the threat is not real or urgent but the truth is that anyone living rurally or even semi rurally is at risk and needs to protect their property. e can learn from what s happened in ew

ealand but also from areas overseas who have historically had to battle this issue more fre uently.

The state of alifornia has long re uired that people who live in areas at high risk of wildfires create buffers of defensible space —land cleared of vegetation and other flammable material— around their homes and this is something we need to do too

to protect our homes and things we value keeping ourselves

and our loved ones safe. ortunately there are some really easy things you can do to create and maintain a defensible space.

The diagram will give you an idea of what that actually means and below are some really easy practical ways to help create it

eep the area around your house and decks clear of debris

eep grass short around buildings

on t store firewood ad acent to buildings

eep gutters and areas around decks clear of dead leaves debris and pine needles

emove highly flammable plants close to your home and other buildings on your property

emove overhanging branches

egular pruning mowing and clearing of gutters will not only make your house look lovely but it will make it much safer should the unthinkable happen. nd of course it s important to make sure you re prepared if disaster does strike your property by making sure your family has a clear

tep scape lan so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

The Lake Ōhau community will never forget the events of

and they are rebuilding their community.. other

ature is the ultimate boss in situations like this but it s important we all do everything we can to prevent widespread destruction if a significant wildfire manages to take hold.

Learn more about how you can help defend your home and property from wildfire at www.checkitsalright.nz and this weekend get those pruning shears ladders mowers and hedges clippers out to create a defensible space. on t put it off the risk is not worth it. tay safe this summer ew ealand.