GET READY CHALLENGE SEPTEMBER 2020
WELCOME
FOUR SIMPLE STEPS: Discuss, Prepare, Know, Keep
GET READY CHALLENGE WEEK 1 - DISCUSS
THE PLAN
FIRST: Work out how at risk you really are.
To begin your plan, you should consider how at risk you are. Living with the bush is part of living in New South Wales – but so is living with the risk of fire. You don't have to live right near the bush to be at risk. Even if your home is a few streets back, you may be at risk. Remember more than 50% of homes are lost from embers (see image of Tathra below) and not direct fires.
Individual homes burned out in Tathra due to ember attack while others left intact
If you want to check how at risk you are watch the video below check out the links that follow:
· For more information http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/know-your-risk
· You can also see bush fire prone areas in your area on your local council website. Look for your Bush Fire Prone Land Map. Check if you live on bushfire prone land at https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/development/mapping/bushfire-prone-land
Make sure your family has a general understanding about bush fires and bush fire safety. If they are in an area that is affected by a bush fire, such as at work or on holiday, they will be able to make the safest choices.
The Bush Fire Household Assessment tool can be used to help you make an informed decision regarding your 'Leave Early or Stay and Defend' choice for this bush fire season. Find it here at https://assessmyrisk.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
SECOND: Discuss what to do if a bush fire threatens your home.
Now you are ready to discuss your plan. Many households find that having a discussion over dinner works best as everybody is together and focussed. The key to survival is decision making – don’t leave it to the last minute.
This video helps explain some of the things you will need to plan for:
Remember:
Leaving early is the safest option. If you decide to stay, make sure you are very well prepared. It is worthwhile looking at this part of the plan as well, just in case you get caught out and it is too late to leave.
Whatever you are thinking, click here for the steps to work your way through
http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/36600/Plan-Step1-Discuss.pdf
Each week is based on the RFS Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you would like a copy of the plan you can:
Download it from http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-survival-plan
Or Pick up a hard copy from the Burrawang RFB Shed, the Fire Control Centre at Mittagong or Picton or at the local Council Chambers.
Feel free to visit the fire shed on Wednesday evenings from 7.00pm if you would like to pick one up or ask any questions.
Good Luck! And see you next week.
These people left it too late to leave