School’s out, safety’s in – get bushfire ready these school holidays

Following an unprecedented year of fire emergencies across Queensland, the Palaszczuk Government is launching an awareness campaign urging all Queenslanders to be better prepared for bushfires.

Cameron Dick, Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, said the safety of Queenslanders was paramount as heightened fire conditions continued to affect many parts of the state.

“We’ve seen an intense start to this bushfire season with more than 1600 bushfires since 1 September and no substantial rain on the horizon,” Mr Dick said.

“That’s why we’re asking Queenslanders, whether they’re travelling or staying at home this school holidays, to take preparedness steps now to protect what’s most important to them in the future.

“The best time to think about the safety of your family, pets, neighbours, home and business is before an emergency situation reaches you.

“Even in urban areas families should be bushfire-ready, and school holidays make for the perfect time to do things like prepare a survival plan and make sure your insurance is up to date.”

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said Queensland was still early into its bushfire season so it was vital everyone stayed up to date with the latest on bushfire activity by following QFES on social media, visiting the QFES website, and tuning into local radio.

“Bushfires can strike at any time, often without warning as we saw recently on the Sunshine Coast and in the Gold Coast hinterland, where destructive fires took off within minutes and forced people to evacuate,” Mr Crawford said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to keeping communities safe, which is why we’re encouraging all Queenslanders to take the time now to prepare their property and family, and to have a bushfire survival plan in place.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing said it was important to remain diligent, well prepared and have a plan in case a bushfire happens nearby.

“If you’re staying at home you can prepare your household now with some simple steps: clearing debris from your roof and gutters, checking pumps, generators and water systems, ensuring adequate access for fire trucks, trimming low branches and relocating flammable items away from your home,” Mr Wassing said.

“If you’re planning a trip, please consider the distance from emergency services, the likelihood of heightened bushfire risk at the location you’re visiting, and if you’re travelling to or going through bushfire-affected areas.”

For more information on current bushfires and local fire bans visit ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

Here you can also source information to help you create, review or update your household Bushfire Survival Plan, and get tips on preparing your property for bushfire season.

ENDS

Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284