Have you ever thought of how you can prepare your home or property for extreme fire danger ahead of time?

New Zealand’s national fire and emergency first responder has some advice for those living on or near open land areas who want to reduce their fire risk.

According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the following advice is what people can do around their homes and properties to reduce the risk of extreme fire danger. Keep vegetation short and green around houses. Trim trees away from buildings. Ensure you have a means to escape your property in the event of a fire.

Make sure your RAPID or rural address number is visible at the entrance. Ensure your home’s accessway is wide enough – so 4m by 4m – for emergency service vehicles to use.

Removing dead vegetation, including back mulch and straw from near buildings, is advisable. Clean gutters so hot embers can’t lodge in leaves and other debris.

Ensure stock are moved into places of lower risk in the event of a wildfire. Ensure farm equipment being used is in good condition and fitted with a fire extinguisher.

People can also grow low flammability plants on their properties. And, have a wildfire emergency household plan. Find out how to set this up at: www.fireandemergency.nz/when-wildfire-threatens

Also, always check the local fire danger before you light a fire or do anything outdoors that could create a spark. Use the ‘Can I light a fire?’ tool at checkitsalright.nz