You don’t have to live in regional Victoria to be at risk of bushfires. Getting your home and garden ready for bushfire season is essential to being prepared.
Bushfires
Tips on how to stay bushfire safe on holidays
RACV is urging Victorian holidaymakers to prepare for bushfire safety ahead of the summer holiday period.
It is essential to be well-prepared and informed to help stay bushfire safe on holidays. By staying informed, having a bushfire survival plan, packing a car emergency kit, and taking necessary precautions, you can help reduce the risk associated with bushfires. Safety should always be a top priority when travelling to or through bushfire-prone areas this summer.
"It is essential to prepare for travelling safely to your holiday destination and make sure you are familiar with the risks for that location," RACV General Manager Home Bill Bloodworth says.
"Check the Fire Danger Rating for not only your destination but for the route you are travelling on – grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km/hr and jump highways," he says.
"You need to make sure you've adequately insured your home and your vehicle while you're on holidays, so make sure you have reviewed your protection to ensure you are appropriately insured in the event of a fire."
Preparing for bushfire season
Stay informed
Before leaving for your holiday, research the area you plan to visit and the areas you will be passing through. You can use the VicEmergency app to check for official bushfire warnings and Fire Danger Ratings. Set up a Watch Zone for the area you will be visiting or passing through. Be aware of total fire bans and emergency alerts. The ABC Listen app is a good source of information to stay updated on fire developments and possible road closures. There are a number of resources and apps that can help you during bushfire season.
Create a bushfire plan
Develop a bushfire plan for your trip. Ensure everyone in your group knows the plan, including evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts. Discuss the plan regularly to keep it fresh in everyone's minds.
Pack a bushfire survival kit
Your bushfire survival kit should include essential items like water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, torches, batteries, a battery-operated radio, and protective clothing.
Be prepared to evacuate
Always be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Store your important documents, identification, and medications in an easily accessible bag. Plan your evacuation routes in advance.
Follow local authorities' instructions
In the event of a bushfire, follow the instructions and guidance provided by local authorities, such as the fire service, police, and emergency services. Their advice is based on the most current and relevant information.
Prepare your motor vehicle
Have your vehicle checked for safety by a mechanic to ensure it is in good working order and free from potential defects. Make sure your vehicle battery is in good condition, as high temperatures can affect it. Check that all tyres (as well as the spare tyre) have sufficient tread and are correctly inflated. Make sure to fuel up your vehicle ahead of time.
Make sure your vehicle battery is well maintained and in good condition. Image: Getty
Preparing a personal bushfire plan
A written and well-practised bushfire plan will help you remember what needs to be done during a crisis. The CFA has a bushfire survival planning template to help you write down your plan.
Your plan should answer the following questions:
- Which Fire Danger Rating is my trigger to leave?
- Will I leave early that morning or the night before?
- Where will I go?
- What route will I take – and what is my alternative in the event that a fire is already in the area?
- What will I take with me?
- What do I need to organise for my pets or livestock?
- Who do I need to keep informed of my movements?
- Is there anyone outside my household who I need to help or check up on?
- How will I stay informed about warnings and updates?
- What will I do if there is a fire in the area and I cannot leave?
For tips to help prepare your home for an increased risk of bushfire this summer, click here.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s)issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
