Your Preparedness CheckA 5-step process for building resilience to extreme weather events Step 1. Map your location Step 2. Your personal situation Step 3. Your property Step 4. Your neighbourhood Step 5. Information for your plan DO NOT MODIFY - Ready Check Tool - Your Property Step 3. Your Property Draw a mud map of your property and the immediate surrounding area on a piece of paper (or drawing tool on your computer) – just to get a rough idea of the characteristics of your place and surrounds (see example). Include in your plan your house and any other sheds, buildings, trees, vegetation, water tank, pool, fences, gates (& if locked), decking, BBQs & gas bottles, mulch & garden waste, sprinklers, shutters, gutter guards, overhanging trees, driveway, roof material, wall material, verandahs, decks, vegetation, pet enclosures, side access, slope, road, paving, large windows, window frame material. YOUR PROPERTY'S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES Use the information below to assess your property’s strengths and weaknesses for events such as bush fire, flood, heatwave and storms. The list will give you an indication of strengths and weaknesses of your property but is not comprehensive. Refer to the links to access more ideas on strengths and weaknesses of your home and property. Remember a strength may improve resilience across multiple hazard types, for example fire rated storm shutters on windows facing the bushland can reduce to the impact of bushfires, storms and heatwaves as well as improve home security. Click on the sections for the hazards identified for your property in Step 1 to check your property’s strengths and hazards for each. Bushfire Legend RoofHouse & roof designMany re-entrant corners where leaves and embers can collect; Complex roof with gables and valleysAdditions with valleys or channels between roofsSimple building design with few re-entrant corners; Simple roof structureFurther informationRoof material type & ageOld metal with gaps; Old timber shingles; Tile pre 1980 with gaps, mortar not replacedTile, pre 1980, mortar replaced >15 years agoMetal, no gapsTile, post 1980, mortar replaced within 10 years, no gaps >3mm; Roof fully sarkedFurther informationRoof sprinklersNo water supplyNo sprinkler systemSprinklers on mains water & powerSprinklers with independent water source and pump; Regular testingFurther informationRoof lights, skylights, roof ventilators & vent pipesNo sarking; Not sealed; Open vents; Combustible material (plastic or acrylic); Missing fins; No ember guardsLaminated safety glass; Flashing fire-retardant material; Aluminium ember guardsToughened safety glass; Sealed with non-combustible lining; Corrosion-resistant steel or bronze meshFurther informationEaves & fasciaEaves not enclosedEaves with gapsEaves enclosed with fibre-reinforced cement or aluminium sheetsEaves enclosed with fire-retardant-treated timber or steelFurther informationVents, weepholes & chimneyOpen holes or broken vents; Open chimney topNo ember guards; Unsealed chimney potAluminium ember guards; Sealed chimneyCorrosion-resistant steel or bronze ember guards; Unused chimney sealed with steelFurther informationGutters and downpipesBlocked gutters; Combustible materialNo gutter guardsGutter guards; Ability to seal downpipes & fill gutters with waterMetal gutter guards; Leaf-free; Non-combustibleFurther informationWallsHouse external wall materialTimber with flaking paint & gapsTimber well maintained & sealed; CladdingSingle brickMasonry; Concrete; Rammed earth; Fibre cement (>9mm); Steel sheetingFurther information / Further informationExposed timberRotten timber; Peeling paintGood condition; Protective paintFire-retardant-treated timberFurther informationWindows & framesTimber frame with flaking paint; Old glass; Large panes; facing hazard; Old; Plastic mesh or no screensTimber frame well maintained & paintedFire-retardant-treated timber frames; Aluminium frames; Laminated glass; Corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh screensMetal window frames and hardware; Non-combustible shutters; Toughened glassFurther informationExternal doorsOld timber wooden doors with flaking paint; Gaps under the door; No screen on door; Plastic mesh screenTimber doors, no screen door; Glass sliding door without screenGlass sliding door with safety glass & metal screen; Screen door with aluminium mesh; Wooden door with 400mm metal kickplate on bottomFire-retardant-treated timber; Non-combustible shutters; Weather strips; Tight fitting door screen with corrosion-resistant steel or bronze meshFurther informationGarage doorsAttached to house; Old wooden door with flaking paint; Gaps >3mm around & under doorRoller door without guide tracks or nylon brush; Ventilation slots in doorEasy to open without power; Gaps <3mmNon-combustible door; Weather strips, guide tracks, gaps <3mmFurther informationFloorSub floor space & posts, stumpsOld dry timber; Unenclosed; Items stored under houseLeaves & dry material under houseSub-floor space enclosed with steel mesh <3mmFire retardant treated timber; Enclosed sub-floor spaceFurther informationFloorsSuspended; Older, dry timber floor unenclosed; GapsSuspended floor with flammable insulationSuspended floor with fire-retardant timber or non-combustible sheeting; UnenclosedConcrete slab on ground; Suspended floor with enclosed sub-floor space and fire-retardant timber or non-combustible sheetingFurther informationVerandas and deckingOld Wooden deck; Unenclosed; Wooden outdoor furniture; Store for firewood; Leaves accumulatedEnclosed with fine steel meshDeck frame & decking non-combustible; No spaces between decking (or 3mm spacing)Concrete or non-combustible material; Fire-retardant-treated timber; No flammable furnitureFurther informationOutdoorsVertical barriers to shield the buildingBulk of building oriented towards hazard with no barriersPartial shield <1m highContinuous screen of low-flammability vegetation understorey to canopySolid masonry wall >2m high to shield buildingFurther informationLandscapingTrees over house; Bark hanging; Highly flammable plants; Mulch, leaf litter & dead branches against wall of houseVegetation & mulch within 1m of house wallFire-retardant trees as a barrier blocking ember attack; High moisture content & low oil level; trees >10m away; Rock or gravel mulchLow plants with low flammability; Lawn kept short; RaingardenFurther informationWater supplyNo tank; Very small tank; No hoses; No tapsEmpty tank; Plastic valve fittings; Plastic tank on hazard side of building; Taps only on hazard side of building; Short hoseMedium capacity tank (3000L); Metal tank; No SWS sign at front; Long hoses; Taps & long hoses at each corner of property; Metal connectionsLarge capacity (≥5000L) tank metal or concrete; Diesel pump connected to tank; Storz fittings; SWS sign at front; Permanently installed long hose reels; Metal connectionsFurther informationPoolPool, no accessPool, no pumpPool with diesel pumpFence & gateBrush fence; High gate padlocked; No accessTimber fence; Low gate padlocked; No accessTimber treated with flame-retardant paint; Closed but not lockedBrick or metal fence; High to shield house; Solid metal gate, closed but not lockedFurther informationGas bottle – house & BBQGas bottle relief valve facing house; Gas bottle on hazard side of houseGas bottle valve away from house; Gas bottle on non-hazard side of houseGas bottle stored away from houseNo gas bottlesFurther informationOtherHouse age & standardBuilt prior to bush fire standards (pre 1991)1991 – 2009 built to bush fire standardsNew house (post 2009) built to current bush fire standardsFurther informationAir conditionerEvaporative a/c without ember screens on intake ventWall mounted a/cEvaporative a/c with non-combustible ember screens; split system a/cA/c external operating temperature 50°CFurther informationDoor matsDoor mat easily ignitedDoor mat low-flammabilityNo door mat, or non-flammable materialPets & enclosuresPermanent fixture, exposed to fire dangers; Pets not easily relocated; No shelterPets difficult to relocate; Pets not compatible together for relocation; Pets can’t be handled by strangersPets easily relocated; Easy to catch, handle & transportPets easily relocated; Alternate safe space readily available; Pet survival planFurther information / Further informationBush fire attack levelFlame zone; BAL 40; BAL 29BAL 19; BAL 12.5BAL LowNot in bush fire prone areaFurther informationFlood WallsLoad bearing wallsTimber wall frameSteel wall frameDouble brickConcrete panels; blockwork; poured in-situExterior wall claddingWeatherboard; Fibro; Plywood on stud frameBrick veneer on stud frameDouble brickConcreteInternal wall material & skirting boardsPlasterboard; Particleboard; Wallpaper; MDF skirting boardsWet area plasterboard; Plywood; Fibre cement sheetingBrick; Solid timber skirting boardsRendered brick; Exterior-grade sealed timber boardingSkirting boards & architravesMDFUnsealed timberSolid timber screwed in (not nailed)None; Removable metal or aluminium skirtingsWindow framesWooden with PVA glues; Mild steel fittingsTimber - fully sealed with stainless steel or brass fittingsAluminium or metal frames with stainless steel or brass rollersGarage wall material/ strengthLower strength than rest of houseWalls same strength as rest of houseFurther informationFloorGround floorLow suspended particleboard or plywood floorLow suspended timber floorSlab on groundRaised concrete slabFloor & coveringsParticleboard; Hardboard underlay; Carpet; Grass matting; Linoleum; CorkPlywood flooringCarpet tiles & rugsHardwood timber (polished); Exposed concrete; Tiles (with water-resistant adhesive)Sub floor spaceNo drainage or ventilation; Garden beds close to house blocking ventilation gaps; Low areas where water poolsPoor drainage and ventilationNo pooling of water; Good ventilationConcrete slab; Good ventilation and drainage; Evenly gradedOutdoorsLandscapingGarden beds blocking drainage; No plants; Clay soilRock; High runoffFree-draining soilRaingarden to manage water flow and runoff; Free-draining soilFurther informationRainwater tankOverflow compounding drainage issues; Unsecured – ability to float awayOverflow nearbyAnchored securelyElevated & anchored securely to footings; Overflow to stormwater or raingarden; Inlet highPlumbing systemHistory of return flow from sewer pipesGully trap; Manual gate valve; Valve installed but not checkedSewer & irrigation backflow valves installed, checked & maintainedFurther informationHard surfaces & drivewayHard surfaces channelling water into/under house or neighbour’sPorous pavingPervious surfaces with good drainage & water flow is well managedFurther information / Further informationOtherInternal doors and framesHollow core doorsSolid core doors with glue not water resistantSolid core doors with water-resistant glue & plywoodSolid doors; Metal door frames; Water resistant paint and varnishPower points, switches & wiring; Electrical meter boxLocated below maximum flood level; Meter box low & open to elementsPower points high on wallsWiring in the roof space; Meter box & power points above max flood levelInsulationBatts (fibreglass, polyester, rockwool, sheep wool) & loose fill below max flood levelConcertina-type foil/paper laminatesReflective foil perforated with holesPolystyrene, polyurethane & closed cell foams below flood levelJoinery & built-in cupboardsParticleboard, MDF; Boxed-in void between floor, wall & cupboard; Minimal airflowHardboard & MDF; Few supports widely spaced under joineryMarine grade plywood; Supports to prevent distortion & buckling; Removable kickboardSolid timber; Cupboards on frame with legs; Flood-resistant materials; Free flow of airFixed electrical equipmentAir conditioner & electric hot water at ground levelAir conditioner & electric hot water system mounted highPets & enclosures / Pet survival planPermanent enclosure exposed to floodwater; Pets not easily relocatedPets not easily relocated; Pets not compatible together for relocationPets easily relocatedPets easily relocated; Alternate safe space readily available; Cages & equipment for relocation availableFurther information / Further informationReference: Reducing vulnerability of buildings to flood damageHeatwave RoofRoofDark coloured tiles; Flat roof; No sarkingLight coloured metal; Light coloured tileLight coloured; Metal with reflective paint; Shaded; Roof space as buffer zoneFurther informationInsulation & thermal massNo insulation; Thermal mass storing heatNo insulationInsulation in roof onlyBulk & reflective insulation in roof & walls; Thermal mass storing coolnessFurther informationRoof lights & skylightsSkylight not sealed; Open vents; Direct sunlight & heat gainHeat-absorbing tint; Insulated glazing; Low e-coatingsTranslucent or reflective insulation between glazing layersFurther informationVerandah and decks EavesNone; No eavesNarrow eavesPorch shading entranceWide verandah & deck shading entrance; Wide eaves shading walls & windowsFurther informationWallsExternal house wallDark colour, west facingSouth facingLight colour; ShadedInsulation & thermal massNo insulation; Thermal mass storing heatNo insulationSome insulation in western wallsBulk & reflective insulation in all walls; Thermal mass storing coolnessFurther informationWindows; Window coverings (curtains, blinds, awning, shutters)Large windows facing west; Normal glass; No coverings inside or outLarge windows facing N or NW; Light coverings insideTinted windows; Metal blinds with reflective side facing outwards; Temporary car windscreen reflectors on windows; Lined curtainsDouble glazing; Reflective glazing; Heat minimising glazing; Shutters; Shaded windows (external blinds, verandahs, trees); Lined curtainsFurther information / Further informationOutdoorsLandscapingNo trees; No plants; Large areas of hard surfaces; Dark coloured drivewayLarge paved areas; Driveway storing heatGrass and vegetation surroundingShade trees; Gardens; Plants that retain moisture around house; Shaded drivewayFurther informationOtherPets & enclosures / Pet survival planNo shaded shelter; Not easily cooled; Not easily relocatedNot easily cooledPets easily relocated to cool placeWell sheltered & cool;Further information / Further informationVentilation & air conditioningClosed windows at night; No cross ventilation; No fans; Reliant on a/c; Limited airflow; Large windows facing NW & W; A/c heat blowing under house or near entrances; Outdoor temperature operating range of <45°CReliant on a/c for cooling; Limited cross ventilationOpen windows at night; No a/c; Good airflow & cross ventilation; Ceiling or pedestal fansOpen windows at night; Security screens or grills; A/c set at 25°C; Good airflow & cross ventilation; Ceiling or pedestal fans; A/c outdoor temperature operating range >50°C; Outdoor part of a/c shaded in cool placeFurther informationStorm RoofRoof covering type & ageTile, pre 1980, mortar not replaced; Cracked or missing tiles; Loose tiles; Metal with nails; Loose metal sheets; Non-standard tie-downsMetal with screws, no sealsRoof condition recently checked by professional; Roof well maintainedMetal (screws with seals intact); Tile (mortar replaced within 10 years; tiles tied down); Secondary water barrier over joints; Hail-resistant roof claddingRoof shapeFlat, skillion roofComplex pitched roofGable roofHip roofRoof to wall connection methodWarped walls; UnalignedPre 1980; Rafters/trusses nailed to frame; Battens not anchored to structureRoof battens anchored to roof structure; Rafters/ trusses clip-connected to frameRafters/trusses connected to frame with galvanised metal strapsGutters and downpipesLoose or rusted gutters; Few downpipes; Gutters tilting back towards roof; Leaves and debris on roof & guttersNo downpipes or gutters; Roof valleys filled with leaves; Vegetation covering drainage grateRainwater tank to hold water; Overflow to stormwater or raingardenAdditional gutter clips & downpipe connections; Water flow directed away from house; Gutter guards keep leaves outRoof lights & skylightsNo sarking; Not sealed; Open vents; Plastic or acrylic; Leaking from unsealed jointsLaminated safety glass; Polycarbonate; Flashing & curb around skylight to deflect waterToughened safety glass; Sealed jointsLightning protectionHigh metal objects protruding from roof; No earth protectionNo surge protectionSurge protection systemLightning protection systemSolar panelsFixtures not securePanels at different angle to roof slope; Panels at edge of roofFixed securely; Panels at same angle as roof; Watertight fixingsWallsDoors & sealsLarge panels of old glass; No seals; Large gaps around windows & doors; Do not close properlyLarge panels of safety glass; Small gapsSolid door with tempered safety glass panels; glass with solid screens or shuttersNo glass; Solid door (metal, fibreglass, solid wood); Seal & lock securely; Weatherproof sealsWindows & framesCracked glass; Large panes of old glass; Facing storm hazard; Old, rotten timber frame with flaking paint; No screens; Plastic meshShutters not closed; Old glassSafety glass; Double glazing; Timber with water resistant paint or varnish; Aluminium or metal frames; Corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh screensToughened safety glass; Impact-resistant window shutters (closed)Garage doorDouble width non-reinforcedNon-reinforcedReinforcedReinforced & storm/cyclone ratedOutdoorsLandscapingPlants holding water close to foundations; Trees overhanging house; Hard surfaces channelling water into/under house or neighbour’sTrees near house; Recent earthworks in root zone of trees; Hard surfaces with drainage pipes or channelsTrees well maintained, inspected every 2-3 yearsPervious surfaces with good drainage & water flow is well managed; Low trees & shrubsRainwater tankOverflow compounding drainage issues; Not securedVery small tank; Overflow nearbyMedium capacity; Anchored securelyLarge capacity; Anchored securely to footings; Overflow to stormwater or raingardenShedsNo footings; Unsecured; Door doesn’t closeNo wind ratingAnchored to a footing systemAnchored to a concrete slab; Appropriate wind rating; Door closes securelyFurther informationOutdoor furniture & itemsNot secured; Large items (trampoline)Items securedItems put away & stored in a secure locationPlumbing & irrigation systemHistory of return flow from sewer pipesBackflow valve installed, checked & maintainedOtherStrong room for shelter during stormWindows or glass doorLarge roomNo windows; Small; Ground levelPets & enclosures / Pet survival planNo shelter; Permanent enclosure exposed to weather; Pets not easily relocatedPermanent enclosure partially exposed to weatherSafe space available for petsSafe space readily available for pets to access independentlyFurther information / Further informationElectrical meter boxIn exposed location; Open to elementsWatertight service panels & meter boxLocated in protected area; Watertight service panels & meter box Results will not be saved when the browser is closed as information is not saved on this web site. Step 1. Map your location Step 2. Your personal situation Step 3. Your property Step 4. Your neighbourhood Step 5. Information for your plan
