Holiday safely with a survival plan

As the holiday period fast approaches, the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) is urging all Canberrans to review their Survival Plan for their holiday destination.

 With the holiday period just around the corner and travel restrictions easing, many people will be travelling interstate and visiting bushfire prone areas outside the ACT.

ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said while you may not live in an at-risk area, it is important to understand risks within your holiday destination.

“Canberrans travelling into NSW or QLD should check relevant emergency service websites to see if their holiday destination is a high-risk bushfire area and stay up-to-date with daily fire danger or emergencies in the area,” said Commissioner Whelan.

“Travellers should review their Survival Plan for the area they will be staying in and you should know what you will do if threatened by an emergency, such as a bushfire. How will you leave the area quickly, are you travelling with important supplies such as water in the car, do you know where to receive emergency information? 

“If Black Summer has taught us anything it’s that an emergency can happen anywhere, and you always need to be prepared.

ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) A/g Chief Officer Rohan Scott said he encourages the community to enjoy this holiday period safely by thinking about potential risks.

“While a lot of bushland was burnt during the Black Summer, there is still a risk of fires, particularly grass fires this season”, said Mr Scott.

“When camping, driving, or planning to light a cooking fire, be extra careful as a small fire can quickly escalate into a major incident in hot and windy conditions,” continued Chief Officer Scott.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers says travellers should check weather conditions before they travel.

“While the recent rain has been welcomed, it also brings increased growth and as it dries out, the risk of grass fires increases.

“So, if you are travelling, check the local conditions, know the fire danger rating, and know what you will do if a fire starts.”

For information about fire danger and bushfire prone areas in NSW, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

For information about fire danger and natural hazards in QLD visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au

To receive TOBAN notifications via email from the ACTESA www.esa.act.gov.au/toban-subscription

For information and tips on how you can Be Emergency Ready this season visit www.esa.act.gov.au