Preparing a property for fire and planning as a household should be on the agenda for all Victorians in the lead-up to summer.
“Research tells us that Victorians are great at carrying out the easy to do preparation tasks in the lead-up to the fire season,” CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said.
“But it’s actions like talking to your CFA brigade about the fire risk where you live and making a decision with your family about when you’ll leave and where you’ll go that could save your life,” he said.
Fire planning and preparation should include a conversation with the household at the start of summer about when they will leave before a fire and where they will go.
They also need to decide where they will shelter if they get caught out and cannot leave their property or area.
“Make sure everyone you live with knows these plans, so you’re all clear about what you’ll do on a fire risk day,” Mr Ferguson said.
“You should also pack an emergency kit at the start of summer so you’re ready to go any time.
This should include important paperwork and essentials like mobile phones, medications, change of clothes and water.
If your kit is already packed, it’s easier to grab it and go.
“Finally, remember to talk to friends, family and neighbours who may need help leaving early before a fire,” he said.
“The responsibility for planning and preparing for the summer fire season is a joint responsibility between emergency services and the community – we all share the responsibility for our community’s safety,” he said.
Plan and prepare for fire this summer:
Ø Do you understand the fire risk where you live? Talk to your local CFA brigade and find out your level of risk, or visit cfa.vic.gov.au;
Ø Talk to your household about what you’re going to do on a fire risk day, where you’ll go and when you’ll leave;
Ø Pack an emergency kit so you’re ready to go. For more information on what to include, go to cfa.vic.gov.au;
Ø Download the FireReady app;
Ø Plan ahead so you don’t have to make decisions at the last minute.
For more information on planning and preparation this summer, go to emergency.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Those with a hearing or speech impairment can contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
