Do not underestimate the importance of contingency plans – your future self will thank you! The dreaded ‘What ifs’: But I’m never home on Tuesdays… But we are minding the nephew on Saturday… The car is at the mechanics until Thursday… The fire is already at my back door… There are some things we have absolutely […]
Author: Kylie Van Riel
Got a rental?
Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, safety is the main concern and is the responsibility of both parties. Find out more, including some legal advice from Blue Mountains Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service. Most tenancy agreements require some yard maintenance and prompt reporting of any maintenance issues and things in need of repair such as cracked roof tiles, […]
Home Prep
There are may simple changes that you can make to your garden and buildings that greatly increase their chances of withstanding a bush fire. Below is a checklist to help you get started, and links to other tools and information. The most appropriate improvements to your property will vary depending on your location and the […]
Insurance is not a dirty word
Insurance is not a dirty word! Tradie advice: Don’t get caught being under insured. Check if your policy will cover the costs of re-building a home that meets strict fire safety standards. A home valuation company can provide an independent estimate. Stories emerged after the 2013 fires of people who were unable to re-build on […]
Bush fire basics
Here is some fundamental stuff that you need to understand about fire ratings and warning systems. Understanding these things will help you make the best choices when a bush fire is reported near you. Before a fire even starts Monitor the Fire Danger Rating daily at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr. The higher the fire danger rating, the more dangerous, erratic and difficult […]
Yard Blitz!
Flames, radiant heat, flying embers… Risk can vary greatly based on your location and surrounds, but put simply, there is no house in the Blue Mountains that is immune from the impact of a bush fire. A bit of hard yakka will pay you back in volumes during a bush fire event. It’s time to […]