Reminder to make a plan for emergencies
November 2019
Amanda Britton, Acting Risk and Emergency Coordinator
With the heightened fire danger risk, and the recent catastrophic fire rating for parts of the South East we would like to remind you to please ensure you have a fire plan that includes your animals.
Taking action now can keep you, your family and animals safe and reduce impact on your property and business. We have prepared some tips and information that you may find useful.
We encourage everyone to:
- Know the risk to you, your animals and property
- Know where to go
- Know who to call
- Know your plan
- Have an emergency kit for you and your animals
- Prepare now to act early
If you have livestock or companion animals that you can take with you during an evacuation, please make sure cages, floats, etc, are prepared and on hand, and ensure you have feed for 3-7 days. The Animal Welfare League of NSW have advice on how to prepare your animal emergency plan.
If you have large numbers of livestock, think about which paddocks you’d move them into in an emergency – preferably a ploughed or bare paddock and ensure they have adequate water.
Click here for information and tips to help you prepare for an emergency.
We encourage people to download the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fires Near Me app to their smart phone and turn on alerts as well as set up notification zones. If you already have this app, you may need to install the latest version. The NSW RFS Facebook page has information videos showing you how to set these up.
Seek further information by:
- Listening to your ABC local radio station
- Visiting the NSW RFS website
- Calling the Bush Fire Information Line (1800 679 737)
- Visiting the NSW RFS Facebook/Twitter pages
Should you find yourself in an emergency situation:
- Follow instructions from emergency services
- Call 000 if your life is at risk or you see a new fire
- Only travel if absolutely necessary
- Keep in touch with family, friends and neighbours - especially the elderly or less mobile
Please also take the time to review the NSW RFS’ advice regarding Lighting a fire during the fire season.
(Photo courtesy of NSW DPI).