Prepare. Act. Survive marks start of NSW bush fire season
1st October 2009Ministerial media release
Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today unveiled a hard-hitting statewide campaign alerting people to what they must do this summer to protect their homes and families from bush fire.
Mr Whan revealed the Prepare. Act. Survive campaign at the Rural Fire Service's Homebush Headquarters on the official start of the bush fire season.
"This summer is shaping up as one of our worst in some years and people right across NSW should be under no illusion that the potential for dangerous bush fires is very real," Mr Whan said.
"We have already experienced significant fires in NSW in recent weeks, with many areas beginning their bush fire season early.
"We have all seen how destructive fires can be and that's why people should be taking steps now to Prepare. Act. Survive."
Mr Whan said the new campaign, strategically targeted at people living in or traveling through bush fire prone areas, would start screening on television this Sunday night.
"This campaign will tell people about the new national Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings and new bush fire alert messages to help them make safe and informed decisions in the event of a fire," he said.
"It also highlights the need for residents in bush fire prone areas to prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan.
"To help residents assess their home's bush fire risk, a new web-based program is now available on the RFS website."
New bush fire alert messages will be ranked on a sliding scale depending on the threat:
Advice - a fire has started - there is no immediate danger; general information to keep up to date with developments.
Watch and Act - represents a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing; you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
Emergency Warning - you are in danger and need to take action immediately. You will be impacted by fire. This message will usually be preceded by an emergency warning signal (a siren sound played on the radio or TV).
"With the grim prospect of a long, hot and challenging summer ahead, the State Government has strengthened the resources of the Rural Fire Service, with a record budget of more than $216 million this year," Mr Whan said.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urged residents to do everything possible to prepare their homes and families for the summer.
"With about 90 per cent of NSW in drought or listed as marginal and record temperatures across the State in August, I have real concerns for this fire season," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"The Bureau of Meteorology is indicating that for most of NSW, there is a 75 per cent chance of above average temperatures and as high as 80 per cent on the southern border.
"That's why people should be taking the time now to prepare not only their homes, but also themselves, to give themselves the best chance of surviving a fire," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
More information on how to Prepare. Act. Survive is available on the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or people wanting further help and advice can call the RFS directly on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
Prepare. Act. Survive marks start of NSW bush fire season (PDF 49KB)