Victoria is one of the world’s most fire prone areas.
If you are travelling or holidaying anywhere around the state this summer, make sure you’re FireReady. Stay informed, be prepared and pack some essential items so you’re ready to leave when you need to.
Never travel into any high-risk bushfire area where a Code Red has been declared. If you’re staying in a high-risk bushfire area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on which the Code Red has been declared.
As well as packing essential items, here are a few quick tips from our friends a the CFA that people can add to their travel checklist:
- Do you know the most up to date Fire Danger Rating for the area you are travelling to?
Check out the Fire Danger Ratings forecast each day or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 for more information on ratings or to find out which district you are in or will pass through. - Is there a Total Fire Ban in the area you are travelling to?
Check out bans, restrictions and ratings and what you can and can’t do at cfa.vic.gov.au/can - Are you keeping up to date with the local weather conditions?
You can monitor weather conditions and the daily Fire Danger Rating in the district you’re travelling in by listening to ABC or local radio or visiting cfa.vic.gov.au - Are you prepared to change your travel plans on hot, dry and windy days?
On these days it’s better to visit safer places such as cities and towns. Never travel into any high-risk bushfire area where a Code Red has been declared. - Do you have the VicEmergency Hotline saved in your phone and have you downloaded the free VicEmergency app?
You can phone the VicEmergency Hotline or use the app to find out about Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans, Emergency Warnings (if there is a fire) and key bushfire preparation and planning information. Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or download the VicEmergency app.
If you live or travel to work through bushfire risk areas, check CFA’s Bushfire Safety for Workers page for an interactive online awareness session aimed at workers, but available for everyone.
