Fire has a Plan. Do You?

Do you know what the fire danger rating for today is?

The current fire danger rating is important to know because on days of an ‘Extreme’ or ‘Catastrophic’ fire danger you may be required to do something for your own safety.

Today's fire danger rating (external link)

It is important to remember that although your home may not be mapped as being in a bushfire prone area, you may be required to travel through fire prone areas. On hot, dry and windy days please make a point of checking the fire danger rating, especially if you are travelling through a fire prone area.

Have you made a Bushfire Survival Plan? 

A Bush Fire Survival Plan can help you make important decisions about what to do during a fire - like when to leave, what to take and what to do with animals.

Fact is many people have died during bush fires because they've left their decisions to the last moment.

Be sure to fill out the Bushfire Survival Plan and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in a bushfire emergency.

For more information and to download a Bushfire Survival Plan, see:

Bushfire Survival Plan (external link)

If a fire event was to occur in your area, do you expect to be told when to leave?

Be aware of current bushfire alert levels and leave early.

Bushfire Alert Levels (external link)

It is recommended that you keep aware of what is happening in your area via local radio, social media (you can follow the RFS on Facebook, external link, or Twitter, external link), smart phone apps, or via the Rural Fire Service website:

Stay up to date (external link) 

Do you know what a 'Neighbourhood Safer Place' is? If yes, where is the one closest to your house?

Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) are places of last resort for people in bushfire emergencies only. A list of Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) for the entire state can be found on the RFS website. The sites within the Wingecarribee Shire can be found here:

Neighbourhood Safer Places in Wingecarribee Shire (external link)

An NSP is an identified building or space within the community that can provide a higher level of protection from the immediate life threatening effects of a bushfire. NSP still entail some risk, both in moving to them and while sheltering in them and cannot be considered completely safe. They should be considered as a place of last resort. 

The following limitations apply to NSPs:

• They may not provide shelter from the elements, particularly flying embers,
  
• When using NSP do not expect emergency services to be present,
  
• NSP do not provide meals, amenity or cater for special needs (eg: for infants, the elderly or special needs),
  
• Disaster Victim Registration should not occur at NSP; and
  
• NSP do not cater for pets.