Following an early start to this year's bushfire season, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging Mid Coast resident to plan and prepare during the upcoming Get Ready Weekend.
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RFS Inspector Guy Duckworth AFSM said all residents in the Mid Coast local government area could take simple steps to get themselves and their properties prepared.
"Over recent weeks, our firefighters have seized upon favourable weather to conduct vital hazard reduction burns across the State," he said.
"Now it's the community's turn to get their property in order to better protect their home and their loved ones.
"As many of us are under stay-at-home orders with the current COVID-19 restrictions, it is the perfect time to take the necessary steps to plan and prepare for this fire season.
"Getting ready doesn't have to be onerous and is quicker than you think with some of the most simple tasks making a significant difference."
Over recent weeks, our firefighters have seized upon favourable weather to conduct vital hazard reduction burns across the State.
- RFS Inspector Guy Duckworth AFSM
Inspector Duckworth said there were five simple steps to reduce the bushfire risk:
- TRIM overhanging trees and shrubs;
- MOW grass and remove the cuttings. Have a cleared area around your home;
- REMOVE material that can burn around your home (door mats, wood piles, mulch);
- CLEAR and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home, and
- PREPARE a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home.
Most importantly, you should have a five-minute conversation with your household and ask if threatened by fire - when will you go, what will you take and where will you go?
"Get Ready Weekend, which will be held over the weekend of September 11 and 12, is the ideal opportunity to take that action."
COVID-19 restrictions will see local RFS brigades move online to host Get Ready Weekend events.
Mid coast residents can check in on local social media and find out about the bushfire risk in your area.
This year, all Get Ready Weekend events will take place online, including: online meetings and Facebook live events and social media campaigns
All events for Get Ready Weekend can be found HERE.
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