GET READY CHALLENGE WEEK 3
WEEK 3: STEP 3 KNOW THE BUSH FIRE ALERT LEVELS
Alert Levels and Warnings
During a bush fire, Alert Levels are used to give you an indication of the level of threat from a fire. If there is a fire in your area you will find its alert level on the NSW RFS website and in the ‘Fires Near Me’ app. Keep track of the alert level so you know what you should do.
For help understanding alert levels and warnings watch this short video:
ALERT LEVELS
During a bush fire, Alert Levels tell you the level of threat from a fire. Remember – don't wait for a warning. Some fires start and spread so quickly there may not be any time for a warning. If you get a Bush Fire Alert, you must take it seriously. Failure to take action can result in death or injury to you or your family members
Bush Fire Alerts work like this:
ADVICE
A fire has started. There is no immediate danger. You need to stay up to date in case the situation changes. Keep watch on Fires Near Me and check the weather forecasts for wind direction and strength. Regularly listen to your local emergency radio for changes in the situation. Plan for where you could go to if you need to leave your home.
WATCH AND ACT
There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family. Start putting your Bush Fire Survival Plan into action. Prepare to leave early and if you are staying and defending, finish the last of your preparations.
EMERGENCY
An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bush Fire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk. If you still can, leave for a safer place.
For more information: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/alert-levels
FIRE DANGER RATINGS
This video provides a quick explanation:
The Bush Fire Danger Ratings give you an indication of the possible consequences of a fire, if one was to start.
TO CHECK THE FIRE DANGER RATING WHEREVER YOU ARE AT ANY TIME VISIT: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans
WHERE IS THE NEAREST FIRE DANGER RATING SIGN TO YOU? IS THERE ONE NEAR YOUR WORK? IS THERE ONE YOU PASS ON A REGULAR ROUTE (SCHOOL, WORK ETC)?
PLEASE NOTE: BURRAWANG HAS NO PUBLIC FIRE DANGER RATING SIGN AT PRESENT
TELEPHONE WARNINGS
During a fire, you may receive warnings over your landline or mobile telephone. These use a system called Emergency Alert.
To read more about these check out: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/alert-levels/telephone-warnings
DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE: LISTEN TO THE WARNINGS
Last Summer in NSW: Long queues of cars trying to escape down clogged highway