As the weather warms and the landscape begins to dry, local CFA volunteers are preparing for another fire season and they’re encouraging residents to do the same.

CFA brigades across the region have been using state-of-the-art fire simulators to train volunteers in realistic fire scenarios. One of the simulators was located at Victoria Park for the Emergency Services Expo and Glenlyon volunteers had a chance to hone their skills in a safety-controlled environment.

Glenlyon Group Officer, Dean Jones, explained that various shipping container-sized simulators are send around the state in order to assist training of CFA volunteers. The simulators reproduce live fire conditions in a range of settings, allowing firefighters to practise using hoses, pumps, and protective equipment safely and effectively.

While our local CFA crews are sharpening their skills, now is the time for all residents to review their own fire preparedness. Even small steps can make a big difference to the safety of your home and family.

Here’s what you can do to get ready:

  • Review and update your Bushfire Survival Plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do on a high-risk day.
  • Clear leaves, twigs and long grass from around your home and gutters.
  • Remove flammable materials such as firewood or gas bottles from near doors and windows.
  • Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
  • Stay informed. Check CFA warnings and updates regularly during the fire season.

As part of your bushfire plan, put together an emergency kit and store it in an easy-to-access location:

  • Overnight bag with change of clothes and toiletries for all members of the family
  • Medicines and first aid kit
  • Important information, such as passport, will, photos, jewellery
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Adequate amount of water
  • Wool blankets
  • Contact information for your doctor, council and power company
  • Additional masks
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Antibacterial wipes

Before the fire season:

  • Practise how to pack the car.
  • Make sure it is quick and easy to pack and everything fits. Remember to leave space for your pets.

Keep important items and information in a safe place:

  • Consider moving your irreplaceable family keepsakes and valuables out of the area during summer.
  • Scan important information and photos and store them on a USB flash drive or an external hard drive.

Free Green Waste Disposal at Council Transfer stations

To help residents prepare, Hepburn Shire Council is offering free green waste disposal at Council transfer stations throughout November. Noxious weeds are not accepted, but all other garden waste can be dropped off free of charge.

Fire preparedness is a shared responsibility. Our volunteers are ready; now it’s your turn to make sure your household is too.