Get ready for bushfire season
Published on 20 September 2024
Rural Fire Brigades will provide education and practical tips to help Lake Macquarie residents protect their properties against the threat of bushfires at events across the city as part of the annual Get Ready Weekend.
Lake Macquarie City Council Senior Bushfire Officer Jasmine Starkey said it was important to be prepared early and ensure bush fire survival plans were up to date.
“It only takes a few days of hot, dry and windy conditions for fire danger to ramp up, so getting in early is the best defence against the threat of bushfire,” she said.
“We’ve already seen some early incidents this season on the back of high winds and warmer Spring temperatures, which is a reminder to everyone to stay vigilant and plan for the worst.
“Get Ready Weekend is the perfect time to refine your plan and learn how to manage your property as the bushfire season approaches.”
Local stations, Bunnings venues and other public spaces will host events to share information about how to stay safe.
The events will offer tips on creating a Bush Fire Survival Plan, maintaining a defensible space around your property and understanding Fire Danger Ratings.
Some early precautions to consider include:
- Discuss what to do if a bush fire threatens your home
- Prepare your home by cleaning leaves and twigs from gutters, keeping lawns and gardens well maintained, cutting back trees and shrubs overhanging buildings, cleaning up fallen vegetation, and having hoses long enough to reach around your house
- Learn the bush fire alert levels
- Keep all bush fire information numbers, websites and the Hazards Near Me app handy
For more information and an interactive map showing event locations, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/get-ready.
Learn how to prepare now at myfireplan.com.au.