Published on Friday, 19 September 2025 at 2:43:33 PM

With bushfire season approaching, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is encouraging all residents to take simple steps now to prepare their homes and properties. The Shire is 97% bushfire prone and so it's important to plan ahead for emergency situations, especially if you live in areas prone to natural disasters. A little preparation today can make a big difference in protecting your family, your pets, your home, and the wider community when an emergency happens.

Keep properties well-maintained

Clearing away dry leaves, branches and rubbish, trimming back overgrown vegetation, and securing loose outdoor items such as furniture or tools helps prevent them from becoming dangerous in strong winds or fuelling a fire. Roofs and gutters should be checked regularly for damage and kept clear, while access ways need to remain open so emergency vehicles can reach properties quickly if required. Having an emergency kit ready with essentials such as water, food, medications, first aid supplies, and important documents is also a vital part of being prepared.

For residents in bushfire-prone areas, extra care is needed. Keeping grass cut to 10 centimetres or less, pruning shrubs and trees to create at least a two-metre gap from your home, and moving woodpiles, mulch and other flammable materials away from buildings can significantly reduce the risk of fire spreading.

Those living in areas vulnerable to cyclones or flooding should also prepare by reinforcing windows and doors, planning for possible power outages with torches, batteries and a portable radio, and protecting electrical outlets and valuables by raising them above flood levels where possible.

It’s not only homeowners who play a role. Renters are encouraged to report any maintenance issues quickly and be familiar with evacuation plans, while landlords should regularly inspect their properties and share emergency information with tenants.

Everyone in the Shire has a role to play in keeping their homes and community safe. By taking a few simple steps now, you’ll not only reduce risk to your own property but also make it easier for emergency services teams to respond quickly when needed.

Residents are urged to take action now and not wait until the height of the season.

For more information and resources on preparing your property, visit Preparing for fire season » Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale

To view legal requirements and the Shire's Fire Hazard Reduction Notice, click here.

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