With a predicted ‘above normal’ fire season expected this summer, residents are urged to prepare their properties and bushfire survival plans.

The reminder is part of the Victorian Government’s annual Fire Action Week, which has been brought forward to October 13-20 due to the Bureau of Meteorology’s outlook for dry and warm conditions with little long-term rainfall.

The week is a timely opportunity for people to understand their fire risk, prepare their properties and make a bushfire survival plan.

During Fire Action Week and throughout the fire danger period, residents are encouraged to:

• Plan what to do in the event of a fire and know where to access information on high-risk days.
• Keep their property’s grass short.
• Remove dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark from around the home.
• Remove or prune shrubs near windows and under branches of mature trees.
• Cut back overhanging tree branches within 10 metres of houses and keep gutters clear.
• Remove other material that can burn from around the home such as boxes, furniture and woodpiles.
• Be prepared for power failures which could also affect NBN connections and other telecommunications.
• Pack an emergency kit of essentials such as important documents, first-aid, medications, blankets, water and a battery powered radio.
• Familiarise yourself with the nearest Neighbourhood Safer Place – Place of Last Resort if there is one near you.
• Review home insurance.
• Make a plan for pets and livestock on high fire risk days and in the event of an emergency.

• For more information on getting your property prepared, please visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au.