Fire has a Plan. Do You?
The Wingecarribee Shire is an inherently bushfire prone area. It is therefore critical that anyone who resides in, or frequents, a bushfire prone area prepares a bushfire survival plan for themselves and their family.
Severe bushfires can move very quickly and produce deadly amounts of radiant heat. The safety of yourself and your family must always be the first priority in any decision that you make, and it is essential that you prepare adequately and act decisively prior to, and during, a bushfire emergency.
It is your responsibility to plan and prepare for a bushfire in your area and it is critical that you understand your own personal level of risk. You must decide now whether you will leave your home early, well before a fire approaches, or whether you will stay and actively defend a well prepared home.
You should also give consideration to a back-up plan, in the event that you cannot implement your primary plan of action. In each case, you must prepare your property to give yourself and your family the best chance of surviving a severe bushfire.
The Rural Fire Service has produced a range of information that will assist you in the bushfire survival planning process.
These publications can be obtained from RFS District Offices or via their website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Should you require further advice on bushfire survival planning and/or property preparation, please do not hesitate to contact your local Rural Fire Brigade or the District Office on 02 4868 5500.
Where do you live and do you consider this area bushfire prone?
A high proportion of the Wingecarribee Shire is considered Bush Fire Prone.
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.
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:
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.
It is recommended that you keep aware of what is happening in your area via local radio, social media, apps, and emergency service websites. A comprehensive list of ways to stay up to date can be found at the following 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
A 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.
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