Fire Action Week kicks off today and Victorians are being urged to prepare themselves and their properties for this year’s bushfire season.
With the Fire Danger Period commencing today in parts of the municipalities of Mildura, Swan Hill, Yarriambiack and Gannawarra, now is the time for Victorians to act.
With above average rain fall forecast from now to December, this year’s fire season has the potential to be a grassfire-dominated season, with shorter-duration fires in grass and dry forests during hotter and windier days CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said any bushfire season in Victoria has the potential to be a bad one and warned against complacency.
Fire Action Week is a great reminder to Victorians to get a better understanding of their fire risk and what to do about it,” Mr Cook said.
“Preparing your property means you minimise the chance of property damage during a fire, even if you plan to leave early.
“Keep trees, overhanging branches and shrubs to a minimum near your home, and keep grass shorter than 10cm.
“Move your winter wood pile away from the house and clear debris from gutters.
“A big clean-up before the fire season can make a huge difference to the safety and survival of your home in a bushfire.
“You also need to plan and prepare for your personal safety by understanding your risk and having a fire plan.
“Plan for all situations by talking to your family and friends about your triggers to leave, where you’ll go and how you’ll get there.
“Get into the habit of checking Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency website or app daily to understand the fire risk in your area.
“It’s up to all of us to stay informed by using more than one source of information, understanding the three levels of warnings, what they mean and what you should do.”
In the lead-up to summer, CFA will be running Fire Safety Essentials online sessions to help Victorians understand their fire risk and help you prepare.
More information about bushfire planning and preparation, and about leaving early can be found on the CFA website.
This Fire Action Week, follow some simple planning and preparation tips to make sure you’re ready for the upcoming bushfire season:
Prepare your property; it can minimise property damage even if you leave early:- Move furniture, woodpiles and mulch away from windows, decks and eaves
- Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls
- Keep grass shorter than 10cm. Regularly remove leaves and twigs
- Don’t have plants higher than 10cm in front of windows or glass doors
- Before you leave, make sure you remove all flammable items from around your home. Houses have been lost from things as simple as embers landing on a doormat
- Check that your home and contents insurance is current and includes a level of cover in line with current building standards and regulations.
As restrictions are in place across Victoria due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more details about what restrictions apply in your circumstances, including provision for those who’ve received a Fire Prevention Notice, can be found at the Victorian Government coronavirus website.
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