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Gippsland Water advises residents to ensure adequate drinking water supply during nearby fires as part of crucial emergency bushfire planning

Gippsland Water is advising residents to ready themselves for bushfires by having an additional water source for firefighting needs. They stress the significance of planning for different emergencies amidst a hotter-than-average summer.

By news@gippsland - 17th October 2023 - Back to News

With a warmer than usual summer predicted, Gippsland Water is encouraging people to prepare for bushfires. Managing director Sarah Cumming advised customers to include an alternative water supply in their bushfire plan. "In the event of a bushfire emergency services may need to access our water supply. While we do have back up water supplies, it is important to plan for a range of different possibilities as emergencies can continue to evolve."

Residents are urged to ensure an adequate drinking water supply during nearby fires, store water in the fridge, bottles, and jugs. Update phone numbers with Gippsland Water for emergency alerts

Fire safety precautions

Ms Cumming said, "People who intend to defend their homes from bushfires should follow advice from the CFA and ensure they have at least 10,000 litres from a separate water source and suitable fire fighting equipment.

"Alternate water sources could include a water tank specifically for firefighting purposes, a swimming pool or dam, multiple rubbish bins, wheelie bins, bathtubs, laundry troughs or 200 litre drums. But remember, a special pump is needed to draw water from an independent supply. Leaving early is always the safest option to protect yourself and your family," she said.

Residents should consider storing water in the fridge, or in jugs and bottles, to make sure they have enough drinking water in the event of a nearby fire. For resources to help prepare for a bushfire visit Country Fire Authority website and for emergency alerts and warnings, visit VicEmergency website. Customers are encouraged to update their phone number with Gippsland Water to receive SMS notifications if their service is affected by an emergency. In an emergency call 000.

Pictures from Gippsland Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com