Cleaning gutters and other simple tasks can prevent fire

Being geared up and prepared for fire should be done whole year round but heightened levels of alertness among residents in Queensland should be observed during the fire season. This is also the basic idea of Pine Riversí State Member Carolyn Male. According to her, the extreme weather conditions being experienced in the south-east and south-west portions of the state should be reminders to residents to be prepared for the occurrences of fires.

The state member also stressed out that residents need to guard their properties in every way they can. This is especially true during the summer months when extreme heat could ignite fires in the bushlands. In fact, the Black Saturday bushfire incident in Victoria could be a constant reminder of how destructive and devastating bushfires can be. It can be recalled that the incident happened on the 7th of February 2009 claiming 173 lives and leaving 414 persons injured. The incident was composed of some 400 individual bushfires that spread across the state of Victoria. It was touted as the highest life-claiming bushfire in Australia that also destroyed more than 2030 houses and more than 3500 properties with thousands more left damaged.

Preparedness is a key aspect to prevent another occurrence of this dooming incident. Residents are encouraged to always prepare early when the bushfire season is fast-approaching. Simple household tasks such as eliminating garbage and other fire-starters within the premises of your house and property can spare you from the devastating effects of bushfire. Debris such as dried leaves, twigs, woodpiles, and old newspapers should be eliminated. Flammable items like fuel and gas bottles should be kept away from the property.

Gutters are also seen as crucial elements in the prevention of bushfires. It is a well-established fact that rain gutters also collect dirt and other particulates such as leaves especially when there are no leaf guards installed. Residents should always pay attention to the status of their gutters. They need to be cleaned of the dried leaves and other matters that are residing on its channels. Doing so can make a huge impact in preventing the spread of bushfire in case it hits your place.
Roofs should also be accorded the same attention as gutters. They can also serve as resting places of dried leaves and other things that could easily ignite fire during extreme heat. Wetting the gutters and roof frequently can also help you avoid fires within your property.

Aside from the individual efforts that should be exerted by the residents, they also need to establish good communications with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS). Any incidents of bushfires no matter how small or how large they are needs to be reported to them. Their world-class team of fire professionals would exhaust all their efforts to put a stop on the devastating bushfires.

For more information on how to keep your gutters and property ready for the occurrence of bushfires or for other problems regarding your gutters, log on to www.totalguard.com.au or talk to their friendly customer representative at 0416 457 574.