Safety committee urges locals to get fire ready

WITH Christmas just days away and caravan parks and holiday rental properties already filling up, the Bellarine Group Community Safety Committee has some advice.

Committee chair Andrew Mahoney said while the fire brigades across the Bellarine were busy preparing for the summer fire season, there were a number of things locals could do to ensure they were fire ready too.

“If staying in a holiday house or at the caravan park, check to see where your exits are in the event of a fire – ensure all guests know how to get out of the house and where you will meet.

“Know what your fire plan is in the event of a bush or grass fire, which may mean leaving the area early, well before there are any signs of fire.

“If you are on the road and hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle, ensure you safely pull over and allow it to pass.

“When driving past any parked emergency vehicle on the side of the road with their flashing lights operating, you must safely slow down to 40 kmh.

“Remember, this is our work place and we need your help to do our job safely.”

Mr Mahoney also urged everyone to make sure they could understand the fire danger ratings.

“If it is an extremely hot day – or Total Fire Ban day – it means you cannot light any camp fires or solid fuel-based barbecues.

“Do not use any equipment that could cause sparks.”

He urged peoople to download the VicEmergency app to your smart phone, as the app provides the latest fire information and warnings.

Set the app to notify you of incidents occurring in chosen areas and use it to stay up to date with local Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans.

Always remember to phone 000 in the event of a fire or emergency situation.