Summer can be a period of heightened risk for external hazards such as grassfires, bushfires, heatwaves, storms and floods. Fire can happen anywhere, and Victoria had over 4,500 bush and grass fires last year.
Fire can occur where the suburbs meet the bush or in urban areas where houses have grass, bushland or parkland around them. The Melbourne Fire Brigade (external link) and Country Fire Authority (external link) are the responsible agencies for managing fire related matters in Victoria.
Going on holidays?
Do you know how to find out about the fire danger at your holiday area? Wherever you are this summer, be aware of the fire dangers.
A number of free fire safety planning resources are available online at the CFA website (external link), or you can download the CFA FireReady app, or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Even on holidays, make sure you have an emergency safety plan that your family knows about and if in doubt, leaving early is the safest way to survive a bushfire.
Other useful websites:
- Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) (external link)
- Victoria Police (external link)
- Department of Human Services (external link)
Planning is essential and every household should have an emergency plan to help prepare and recover from emergency. Moonee Valley Council recently developed a Household Safety Plan (interactive pdf, 2MB). This resource can help you work out with your family what to do if there is an emergency declared, where you will go, and who you will contact if you get separated. Fill out yours today!
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