OUR state experienced extreme weather recently and we are incredibly fortunate to have not faced wide-reaching catastrophic fires within Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n
As temperatures rose to over 40 degrees in recent weeks, many braced for potentially devastating events, with a total fire ban declared across Victoria.<\/p>\n
Our skies glowed hazy orange from the fires in the Otway Ranges and smoke was in the air, a sign that while our region managed to scrape through mostly unscathed, many people in neighbouring municipalities weren’t so lucky.<\/p>\n
As a CFA volunteer, I recognise that so many factors surrounding fires are out of our control.<\/p>\n
However, there are vital measures we can take to mitigate risks. We all have a collective responsibility to act before a crisis occurs.<\/p>\n
To help us stay vigilant and prepared, the City’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officers are currently conducting inspections of rural and peri-urban properties as well as vacant land across Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n
As a local government, it is our duty to protect life and property from the risk of fire, and it is the responsibility of all property owners to eliminate fire hazards.<\/p>\n
To help reduce the risk of fire spreading, property owners should ensure that all grass, weeds and other undergrowth on their properties are cut and maintained to a height less than 100 mm throughout the declared Fire Danger Period, which is currently in effect until May 1.<\/p>\n
Hazards like dead branches, piles of garden waste, timber, cardboard and other combustible materials must also be removed.<\/p>\n
Any rural properties that are not used for cropping or livestock grazing must establish a continuous firebreak of an at least 6m wide perimeter around the property.<\/p>\n
For more information about fire prevention, head to geelongaustralia.com.au\/em or contact the City’s Fire Prevention team at 5272 7245.<\/p>\n
In the event of a fire or catastrophic weather event, staying informed is vital. I strongly encourage residents to download the VicEmergency app to their phones.<\/p>\n
Information is your most valuable asset during a disaster, and this app provides real-time updates on changing conditions and sends alerts if you are near an emergency.<\/p>\n
I recommend setting up “watch zones” for the areas you frequent, including your home, work and family member’s properties, to receive tailored notifications in the areas that matter most to you.<\/p>\n
I appreciate the efforts we are all making to protect our homes and the broader region, however it’s worth pointing out that fire safety extends beyond our own property lines.<\/p>\n
If you are enjoying our beaches and natural parks this summer, please spare a thought for our emergency services when parking your car.<\/p>\n
There have been recent reports that poorly parked cars and congested streets are causing delays in emergency services’ response times across the region.<\/p>\n
Cars parked on both sides of narrow residential streets can cause blockages for emergency service vehicles, resulting in detours and delays in critical response time.<\/p>\n
While this is a busy period, I ask that you park mindfully. Every second is precious in an emergency situation, so please do what you can to help our first responders and volunteers.<\/p>\n
By staying vigilant and prepared, we can work together to keep Greater Geelong safe year-round.<\/p>\n
Cr Trent Sullivan<\/p>\n
Leopold Ward, City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
OUR state experienced extreme weather recently and we are incredibly fortunate to have not faced wide-reaching catastrophic fires within Greater Geelong. As temperatures rose to over 40 degrees in recent weeks, many braced for potentially devastating events, with a total fire ban declared across Victoria. Our skies glowed hazy orange from the fires in the […]<\/p>\n