BE PREPARED – BUSH FIRE SEASON IS HERE
Toowoomba residents are urged to keep safe this bushfire season by ensuring they are familiar with bushfire warneds.
It is best to play it safe even if you don’t live in bushland, you could be threatened by bushfires so now is the time to prepare.
Residents who live in semi-bushland area, near large natural reserves and parklands in and around the Toowoomba area need to prepare their family now so that everyone knows what actions to take should a bushfire break out.
QFES South West Region has advised that “firefighters have had a very active start to bushfire season, but it should not be a surprise given the above average rainfall in autumn and the dry and warm winter. Withered grass, parched bushland and leaf litter are magnets for bushfires and firefighters are already witnessing the consequences of this in many parts of the south west. The Fire Danger Rating for the Darling Downs has reached severe this bushfire season, so it is essential residents continue to be vigilant and report any fires immediately to Triple Zero (000), and to have a Bushfire Survival Plan in place. To monitor the Fire Danger Rating and for more information on Bushfire Survival Plans visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.”
Remember it’s too late to start planning once the fire is approaching, but by understanding bushfire warnings issued through media and social media channels, residents will have a better understanding of what action to take, whether it’s to stay or leave early.
There are three main levels of bushfire warning messages issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) which are determined by the severity of the fire and the potential to impact property.
- ADVICE message – means you need to monitor conditions and review your Bushfire Survival Plan
- WATCH and ACT message – indicates that conditions are changing and you need to start taking action and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.
- EMERGENCY WARNING. This message implies you are in danger and now is the time to action your Bushfire Survival Plan.
All households should have a written Bushfire Survival Plan including what actions you will take if a bushfire is approaching.