Let's help get you ready
As our climate changes, Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula will get hotter, drier, and windier.
This can feel unsettling, and it’s often hard to know what to do or where to start.
Our practical tips will help you prepare your home and property, so they’re ready for the changing conditions.
Watch the short video to get started, then scroll down for everything you need to know. Taking the right steps now can make a big difference in the future.
Easy, low-cost ways
We've put together a range of practical, low-to-no-cost solutions to help you ready your home for the impacts of hotter weather and wildfire.
Start by exploring the interactive image below for quick advice. Then scroll down for more detailed guidance to help you take the next steps.
Leaves and twigs in gutters, on roofs, and around skylights can catch embers and start a fire. Clear these often. Gutter guards stop leaves from building up and can be installed yourself. Metal guards are best for wildfire resistance. Ask your local hardware store for advice.
When not in use, move firewood and garden furniture away from your home, and pull in your awnings. Keep plants trimmed and clear debris near buildings.
Cut back branches overhanging your roof or close to neighbours’ homes. Keep grass short and green if possible – dry grass burns easily.
Small gaps in walls, doors, and windows let embers inside. Close them using fire-resistant sealants and weather stripping. This also helps keep out wind and water during storms.
Fire moves uphill fast. Remove leaves, debris, and furniture from under decks, especially on slopes.
Investments
We've put together a range of investment solutions to help you ready your home for the impacts of hotter weather and wildfire.
Start by exploring the interactive image below for quick advice. Then scroll down for more detailed guidance to help you take the next steps.
When building or renovating, use concrete, bricks, or steel instead of timber. These materials don’t burn and can help protect your home from wildfire damage.
Windows are weak points during a wildfire. Double- or triple-glazed windows with at least one toughened glass pane reduce risk. If the outer pane breaks, inner panes can still protect your home. Also consider installing fewer and smaller windows that face dense vegetation.
Pebbles, shells, or gravel are safer than bark chips near your house. These can also keep soil moist in drought and high heat.
Keep firewood in a non-combustible shelter away from your house. Steel-clad shelters offer much better protection than wooden ones.
Wooden fences can encourage fire to travel along them. Replace wooden fence panels near your home with non-combustible materials. Tying wooden gates open can break fire paths.
Be ready
As our climate continues to change, we can expect to face more frequent extreme weather events throughout Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula.
Readying your home now for extreme weather events and climate change can make a big difference later. Find out more ways to ready your home for different types of weather events.
Flooding
With heavy rain and flooding on the rise, ready your home to prevent damage and stay dry.
High heat
Increased hotter days are ahead; now’s the time to ready your home for rising temperatures.
Strong wind
Stronger winds are becoming more frequent. Ready your home now before the next event happens.
Drought
As longer periods of dry weather become more common, readying your home now will help you be prepared.