Get Ready now for a challenging bush fire season
Published Date: 19 Sep 2018
Summary
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is encouraging residents to drop by their local fire station this weekend and talk about how to prepare their homes and families for the bush fire season as part of Get Ready Weekend 2018.
Over 600 NSW Rural Fire Brigades will once again host events across the state on 22-23 September, featuring firefighting equipment displays, information stands and workshops held at community venues such as shopping centres, local parks and fire stations.
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said Get Ready Weekend is a great opportunity for families to get to know their local firefighters and find out about the fire risk in their area.
“We’ve already seen during August how quickly fires can develop and threaten homes and lives, so it’s a timely reminder to get ready,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“The first step in getting ready is knowing your risk, and local brigades can help this Get Ready Weekend.
“They can also provide valuable advice on preparing your home and family, and making your bush fire survival plan.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said recent research showed that 67% of people living in bush fire prone areas have some sort of plan for what to do during a fire, but it is worrying that a third of people have not even talked about it.
“Research also shows that while two thirds of people surveyed acknowledge that it is their responsibility to get ready for bush fires, nearly half of people have not taken any steps to protect their home,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“With 100% of NSW drought affected and a forecast of ongoing dry and warm conditions, we’re facing a potentially long and protracted bush fire season – so now is the time to get ready.”
The top four tips to getting ready for bush fire season are:
› Discuss what to do if a bush fire threatens your home
› Prepare your home and get it ready for bush fire season
› Know the bush fire alert levels
› Keep all the bush fire information numbers, websites and smartphone app handy.
More than 600 brigades will be taking part in Get Ready Weekend this weekend, with a range of displays, demonstrations and activities for families. Find out about local activities at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready
Attached files:
Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer
Contact Phone: (02) 9898 1855
