WITH forecasts pointing to a challenging fire season and research showing concerning levels of complacency, CFA is urging residents, especially those who may never have had to prepare before, to start clearing their properties now.
“By doing things like clearing your gutters, pruning trees, moving woodpiles and mowing grass, you not only help our firefighters but also give yourself and your property the best chance of survival,” a CFA spokesperson said.
A recent bushfire survey revealed 85 per cent of residents in high-risk areas still don’t have a written bushfire survival plan, while half believe the threat of bushfire is small or very small.
To prepare, CFA recommends moving woodpiles away from buildings, trimming branches that overhang roofs, clearing gutters, keeping grass short, and removing leaves and twigs from around the property. Households should also test fire plan equipment such as sprinklers, pumps and generators, register burn-offs, and ensure a bushfire survival plan is in place.
CFA’s “Get Fire Ready” initiative runs through October, encouraging Victorians to connect with local brigades and access vital information ahead of the fire season.
