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Fire Action Week Provides The Opportunity To Be Prepared

Fire Action Week Provides The Opportunity To Be Prepared

Latrobe City Council is calling all community members to be mindful of the approaching fire season during this week�s Fire Action Week.

By Latrobe City - 19th November 2014 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council�s mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman, said that the responsibility for keeping safe during the threat of fires lay with all of us.

"The entire community must work together to stay safe this year. We are hearing of the potential for a bad fire season, with long range forecasts predicting a drier than average spring and summer. We can see already that the advent of warmer weather has promoted vigorous growth around the municipality. We all have a duty to prepare our homes and properties and our families and friends for the coming season and that�s what Fire Action Week is all about.

"This year the emphasis is on understanding fire risk and to be prepared. Community members should prepare their fire plans and if they are not sure how to do that, they can seek help through the Country Fire Authority either at their local station or online," Cr Harriman said.

"This year�s fire prevention inspections have already started and our fire prevention roadside slashing has already commenced. This year we are working closely with our colleagues at Baw Baw Shire Council and VicRoads to ensure our region is as prepared as it can be.

"The message of �Leave and Live� will also be promoted. We have seen fire encroach urban fringes as well as bush areas. Understanding fire danger ratings and leaving early is key to staying safe," Cr Harriman said.

"We would urge the community to make sure they stay informed over the fire season. There are numerous methods to find out what is happening in your area. You can listen to the radio for fire alerts. Locally, ABC (100.7FM and 828AM, TRFM (99.5FM) and Gold 1242 (1242AM) broadcast fire information. For those with access to the internet you should visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au for up to date information and those who have smart phones or other similar devices you can download the Fire Ready App for alerts.

"Council has a fire ready page on its website at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/fireready which will carry the latest information on any emergencies should they unfold, as well as useful tips for being prepared and links to other organisations. We hope the season does not turn out to be as severe as we fear, but it never hurts to be prepared," Cr Harriman concluded.

Media Enquiries:

Cr Dale Harriman, Latrobe City Mayor

Telephone: 0419 399 093

Cr Peter Gibbons, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor

Telephone: 0499 981 266

Media Relations Office