Fires can start by embers collecting in crevices, scrub, or dead leaves on or near the house.

• Clear rubbish and other flammable items from around the house.
• Clear overhanging trees and shrubs situated close to the house, power lines and eaves.
• Keep eaves and downpipes clear of leaves and debris.
• Keep lawn trimmed and gardens maintained of loose debris.
• Locate your street hydrant and ensure it is accessible to firefighters.
• Have garden hoses that can reach all areas of the house when connected.

Garden chemicals and pesticides

• Store chemicals and pesticides in a secure place out of reach of children and pets.
• Store chemicals in original containers with intact labels for proper safety information.
• If the products need to be diluted before use, make up enough for the day's activities only. Dispose of or store excess in a properly labelled container.

Some garden chemicals may be flammable or reactive - ensure that incompatible materials are not stored together.

Never use food and drink containers to store garden chemicals or pesticides.

Barbecues

• Regularly check and maintain barbecue fittings and connections.
• Ensure there is adequate clearing around the barbecue when in use - one metre of clearance from exterior walls, flammable items and any electrical ignition sources.
• Never put flammable liquid on a barbecue.
• Never leave your cooking unattended.
• Once you have finished cooking, turn off or extinguish the barbecue to prevent burns. Allow to cool completely before replacing lid.
• Remove all residual fat from the barbecue after each use.
• Always store gas bottles outside, upright and away from sources of heat.
• Supervise children at all times when using a barbecue.
• Always be ready to light the burner before you turn on the gas. If the pilot light does not ignite the burner at once, turn off the gas and check that the pilot is alight.

Gas bottles/cylinders

• Change gas cylinders in the open air wherever possible, and always with the tap turned off.
• Always replace the cap on the cylinder valve when the cylinder is empty or not in use.
• Keep spare cylinders outside but protected against frost.
• Ensure the flexible hose on your cylinder is suitable for gas and complies with Australian Standard AS4332-2004. 

If you smell gas

• Put out cigarettes.
• Do not use matches or naked flames.
• Do not operate electrical switches - leave them either on or off.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
• Check to see if a gas tap has been left on accidentally or if a pilot light has gone out. If not, there is probably a gas leak and you should turn off the supply at the meter and call the gas service.

Don't take chances. Contact a licensed plumber or gasfitter if you suspect a gas leak.

• Keep the shed securely locked.
• Make sure it has adequate ventilation
• Properly dispose of of flammable rubbish, such as oily rags, and open or used containers of oil or solvents.
• Store petroleum fuels and nitrogen fertilisers well apart. If combined, they can become an explosive mixture.
• Store chemicals in their original containers with their labels intact for proper safety information.
• Do not use naked lights or smoke in the garage or workshop.
• Always clean up shavings after woodwork.
• Use properly installed electrical sockets for power tools. Avoid makeshift wiring extensions and double adaptors.
• Where possible choose non-flammable paints, strippers, cleaners etc.
• Where electric welders are used, ensure the working area is kept clear of flammable materials, and the equipment is switched off and left safe after use.

Flammable liquids

Store flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits, paints and solvents well away from heat sources.
Petrol, kerosene and other flammable liquids must be kept in approved containers and clearly labelled.
Fuel lawnmowers and other motors outdoors only.
Pool chemicals

The chemicals used for chlorinating swimming pools are usually oxidising agents that may react with other common garden shed materials and cause fire. Granular pool ‘chlorine’ (calcium hypochlorite) may start a fire if it comes into contact with fuels, oils, brake fluid or detergent. It reacts with acids to release the toxic gas chlorine, so it must be stored separately from pool acid (hydrochloric acid).

Store granular pool chlorine separately from pool acid.
Liquid pool chlorine (sodium hypochlorite solution) is a corrosive liquid. It also reacts with acid to release chlorine and must be stored separately from pool acid. The different types of pool chemicals - granular pool ‘chlorine’, liquid pool ‘chlorine’ and pool chlorine tablets - should not be mixed or used together. Some combinations are incompatible and may cause fires or explosions.

Store liquid pool chlorine separately from pool acid.
Do not mix different types of pool chemicals. Some combinations are incompatible and may cause fires or explosions.

Oily rags

Rags that have been used with drying oils, such as linseed oil, or oil-based paints may self-heat and spontaneously ignite if they are not properly dealt with after use.

Mineral oils, like methylated spirits, mineral turpentine or lubricating oil, are not prone to self-heating and will not ignite spontaneously.

• Rags used with oil-based paints or glazes, linseed oil or other drying oils should either be immersed in water or spread out in a safe place to dry immediately after use.
• If you must transport oil or paint-soaked rags, carry them in sealed metal containers.

An unprepared property is not only at risk itself, but may also present an increased danger for neighbours. Read more about how you can keep your property safe for bushfire season.