Being bushfire ready

As we get closer to summer, you may notice on occasions an increase in smoke haze across our region.

The NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW have a number of hazard reduction burns planned on the Northern Beaches this weekend, with fire agencies and land managers planning more burns over the coming weeks.

To stay up to date with planned burns, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website or download the official NSW Rural Fire Service Fires Near Me App.

Please be aware the list of hazard reduction burns can change at short notice depending on the weather at the time.

If there is a hazard reduction burn planned for your area, the fire agencies recommend the following steps:

Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering your homeKeep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burnsRetract pool covers to prevent ember damageRemove washing from clothes linesEnsure pets have a protected areaVehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights onSightseers must keep away from burns for their own safetyIf you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.

Are you prepared for bushfires? It’s important to make your home safe and ready. Getting ready for a bushfire is easier than you think. By taking 20 minutes with your family to discuss what you’ll do during a fire, you could save their lives, as well as your home.

Find out more about being bushfire ready.