Check the fire conditions when travelling

THE CFA has urged people travelling throughout Victoria to check local fire conditions before they leave and to stay informed to help ensure they enjoy a relaxing festive season break.

The risk of fire doesn’t stop over the holiday period, especially in this state – one of the world’s most fire-prone areas.

CFA chief officer Steve Warrington said that anyone travelling or holidaying anywhere around the state should acquaint themselves with the local fire conditions, including Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans.

“It’s extremely important people check weather and fire conditions once before leaving and regularly check for warnings on the journey, as conditions can change rapidly.”

Holidays can be a hectic time for families but when making a list of things to pack and prepare consider having a conversation about your fire plan.

“Be prepared to change your travel plans on hot, dry and windy days. Have a backup destination and never travel into any high risk bushfire area where a Code Red has been declared.

“Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. Leaving early means leaving before fire starts – not when you see flames or smoke.”

When packing up the car, an emergency kit is an essential. Include items such as woollen blankets drinking water and protective clothing (like longsleeved cotton tops, pants, hats and sturdy shoes) together and ready to go.

“You may not get phone reception across regional Victoria, always check conditions before leaving home and most importantly never rely on one source to receive emergency information,” Mr Warrington said.

“We want to ensure that each person travelling, not only over the festive period but also throughout the summer season, arrives home safely.”

To stay informed:

• Head to emergency.vic.gov.au, download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicfires) or Facebook
• Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV
• Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on freecall 1800 226 226
• People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can phone the hotline through the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677
• For help with English, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline.