UNDERSTANDING how fire warnings work and how to use them is an important part of your preparation for summer in Victoria.
“Fire warnings are issued when a fire has started and you need to stay informed and take action,” Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said.
“There are three different levels of warnings – Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warning.
“Warnings aren’t necessarily issued in any order – a fire might start and spread so quickly that the first warning issued could be an Emergency Warning.
“Warnings contain specific information which could save your life, so it’s important that you read or listen carefully to the warning.
“For example, a warning might advise you that roads have been closed and that you need to seek shelter locally.
“Or it might tell you that you need to leave, but tell you which road is open,” Mr Lapsley said.
There are different situations when you might need to monitor and check for fire warnings and updates:
* On a hot, dry, windy days when fires can start suddenly at any time;
* On a fire risk day when you’ve left early or are preparing to do so;
* If you can see or smell smoke in the air and you want to check what’s going on.
“It’s your responsibility to understand the different levels of warnings and how to access them,” Mr Lapsley said.
“You should never wait to receive an official warning before you leave. Bushfires can start, spread and become uncontrollable quickly – threatening homes and lives within minutes.
“Always be aware of conditions around you such as smoke, flames, embers and noise.
“Look and listen for information for surrounding towns as your suburb or town may not be mentioned, and stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours for extra sources of information,” he said.
To check fire warnings this summer:
* Go to emergency.vic.gov.au;
* Download the FireReady app;
* Check CFA’s social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter;
* Listen to local radio; and
* Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) via the national relay service on 1800 555 677.
