Winter is well and truly over in most parts of Australia and the fire season has made an early appearance. In many parts of the country, the unseasonably hot spring weather coupled with minimal rainfall has created prime conditions for bushfires. This risk isn't limited to rural areas, with many urban centres having already dealt with unusual and destructive fires this spring.

Bushfire preparation is an important task when it comes to home safety and protecting your family. Being well prepared gives you an increased chance of preventing property damage, injury to your family or even death. Here are the three key tasks you should undertake immediately to be prepared for a bushfire.

1. Check your fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an effective way to put out fires both within the home and in the outside areas. Having a fire extinguisher that's in good working order may make a huge difference if you home faces a fire threat.

If you have existing extinguishers, book in a maintenance check with a fire extinguisher service to make sure it will work when you need it most. If you don't have any, then now is the time to book an appointment with a contractor who can visit your home and advise you on the best extinguishers for your property.

2. Check your fire plan

Creating a comprehensive fire plan is a vital part of bushfire safety and survival as well as for general household fires. Your plan should include all family members, including children, and should be revised and practiced on a regular basis.

As well as outlining what immediate actions to take if a fire threatens your home, you should also plan for the possibility of evacuation. This means making decisions about whether you will stay and defend your property and the point when you should leave the property for a safer location. It's better to make these decisions earlier instead of trying to make them in a high-stress situation.

3. Check your home and contents insurance

Bushfires can be devastating and every year many people lose everything they own in bushfires across the country. For this reason, it's vital to have adequate insurance to cover your home and belongings if they are destroyed by fire. A surprising number of people are severely underinsured or have no insurance at all.

Having proper insurance is also important because it reduces the likelihood that you'll stay in a dangerous situation to protect your home and possessions. Knowing that you'll be able to replace everything makes the difficult decision to evacuate your home a lot easier. For more information, visit websites like http://www.fireprotectionservices.com.au.

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