News

Emergency Services | October 26, 2016

Get ready for the fire season

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is encouraging everyone to do their bit in preparing for the upcoming fire season.

Ms Kealy made the call during the launch of Fire Action Week.

“The wonderful season that we are having also means that we are facing an above average fire season, with significant vegetation growth across all parts of our region”, Ms Kealy said.

“Our emergency services continue to do a wonderful job in preparing for the upcoming high risk period and protecting us when needed.

“But we all need to play our part to reduce the risk in our local area and possibly save lives.

“This includes mowing grass and removing highly flammable materials such as woodpiles, leaves, dry twigs and bark from around our properties and homes.

“Keeping trees and shrubs pruned and away from homes is important. Emergency services recommend that there are no tree branches within 10 meters of a home or structure.

“Keeping gutters and roof areas clear of leaf litter is also important if you are physically able to do so,” she said.

Emergency services recommend every household has its own fire plan on what to do on high risk days and in an emergency situation, including leaving early.

Further information is available from the website www.emergency.vic.gov.au.

“Our vital CFA volunteers need our support, and a simple way to do this is by cleaning up our property in preparation for the fire season”, Ms Kealy said.

“Please help them make this a fire safe season for our region” she said.