Don’t wait and see and hope everything will just work out. Protect yourself and your family by planning ahead this summer.

There are lots of things you can do right now to get ready for fire

Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world.

Understanding your level of risk is the first step in developing your Bushfire Survival Plan.

A well thought out bushfire survival plan can help you if you live or holiday in high risk bushfire areas of Victoria.

What should I include in my plan?

You need to know:

• when to leave (based on your district’s Fire Danger Rating)
• where you will go
• how you will get there
• where you will shelter if it is unsafe to leave your property or your area
• if there is anyone who needs your help or anyone who can assist you
• if you have pets, consider them in your plan.

For more information contact the Country Fire Authority or phone the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667

Pack a relocation kit

Don’t risk wasting precious time searching for the things you need. Be ready to leave when you need to and have the following items ready:

• battery powered radio, torch and spare batteries
• mobile phone and charger
• first-aid kit including any prescription medicines
• contact numbers for family, friends, carers, doctor and hospital
• food and drinking water
• personal documents (bank account details, passport, Medicare card)
• wool blanket
• clothing
• pet food, water and bedding if needed.

Consider storing important items, photos, documents and personal keepsakes at a safer location like a trusted friends or family member’s home.

Know when to leave – before a fire event starts

Make a decision in advance about when you’re going to leave based on the Fire Danger Rating. That way you will be ready to act on a high fire risk day.

Fire Danger Ratings predicts how serious a fire would be if it started; the higher the rating, the more dangerous the conditions for fire.

The best way to stay safe is to leave:

• the night before or the morning of a Code Red day, or
• early in the morning of a Severe or Extreme day.

Check the Fire Danger Rating for where you are every day during summer. Call 1800 240 667 or check the Country Fire Authority’s Total fire bans and ratings page

Code Red days are very rare and very serious.

Over the past four summers, there have only been two Code Red days.

Do these three things to help prepare to leave early and stay safe from fire

1. Get ready to leave by packing your relocation kit: If you have a kit ready packed, you’re ready to leave whenever you need to. It also means you’ve got your most important papers and other items with you if you’re not able to return to your house.
2. Talk to others about your plans: Everyone in your household needs to know what you are planning to do. Think about others (carers, neighbours, extended family) who should also know about your plans.
3. Check Fire Danger Ratings daily: Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 (or via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677) or visit the Country Fire Authority website

Tips for preparing your property

Your home and garden should be as clear as possible from anything that might help a fire spread to your home.

• Keep lawns mowed
• Move any petrol, LPG cylinders, wood piles and old furniture away from your home
• Keep your pathways and driveways clear.

If you need help with clearing out your gutters, call the Housing Call Centre on 13 11 72.

To Report a Fire

Call 000 (triple zero)

(TTY 106)

Fire warnings and updates

For fire warnings and updates (including if a fire has started) contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on

1800 240 667 (or 1800 555 677 using the National Relay Service).

Check the Country Fire Authority website

Emergency broadcasters

Emergency broadcasters include ABC local radio, UGFM – Radio Murrindindi, Stereo 974, Plenty Valley FM, commercial radio stations across Victoria and Sky News Television.

Emergency Management Victoria has a list of the official emergency broadcasters in Victoria on their website.

Other information

To check road conditions, visit the VicRoads website <https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au> or call 13 11 70.

For information on planned burns, visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) website or check Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Planned burns page.

Information provided by Victoria State Government