Keep it clean to keep it safe

With winter behind us and summer already threatening the country with high temperatures and dry windy conditions, it is essential that we prepare for the bushfire season. Along with the general fire-fighting equipment such as buckets and hoses, keeping up with regular yard maintenance is just as important. Obviously, it is impossible to completely fire-proof your home but there are steps you can take to ensure it has the best chance of surviving in the unfortunate event of a bushfire. With that in mind, the team at Kennards Hire has some advice to help you safeguard your slice of Australia this bushfire season:

- The build-up of rubbish and leaves in roof-top gutters is a big danger in the bushfire season. It’s common for houses to catch alight from floating embers that land in your home or on your roof even if the fire itself is a good distance away. You should make a point to regularly check and clean gutters of any debris that could potentially catch alight. If accessibility is an issue, Kennards have ladders of all sizes available for hire. - Dead vegetation around the yard is another job that needs to be tended to regularly as it could pose as a major fire danger. Removing dead bushes, tree limbs, excess leaves and any other rubbish around the yard is a great way of reducing fuel for potential fires and will keep your property looking presentable for all those afternoons spent entertaining this summer. - Hire a chainsaw to tend to dead trees and use proper gardening equipment to make tackling all the tricky areas around the garden that little bit easier. Be vigilant in what you dig up and dispose of, the less clutter you have in your yard the less chance you have of something catching alight. Trees that overhang the roof are also a big danger and should be cleared if possible. However, if any trees or vegetation come in contact with power lines make sure you notify your local council and let professionals take care of it. - Make sure your lawn is well-kept too. If required, hire a lawnmower and cut your grass to a suitably short length. Letting the lawn grow long and wild increases the risk of a grass-fire which can take effect quickly with devastating consequences. Line trimmers and other hedging tools are available from Kennards to clear under growth from trees, bushes and fences. - Keep your yard/property green this summer by irrigating either first thing in the morning or at night to reduce evaporation. By regularly watering your garden you will reduce the chances of it igniting in the unfortunate case of a fire. You can hire petrol powered pumps and irrigation equipment from your local Kennards outlet.