Get Ready Awareness Continues with Main Street Banner Campaign

With the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) declaring the start of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) on Friday 1 October 2021,

Lithgow City Council’s Main Street Banner campaign is encouraging families, friends and neighbours to use a range of Get Ready information to prepare and start a broader conversation about being aware of and prepared for all hazards.

“Communities across the Lithgow LGA, along with so many parts of Australia, have been impacted by drought, bushfire, storm and flood, and now the Covid-19 pandemic. The impacts of these are still being felt by communities in ongoing recovery, especially from the fires,” Lithgow City Council Mayor Ray Thompson said.

Chifley/Lithgow RFS Officer Bill Robb said while enjoying the bush is part of life for many of us, so is living with the risk of bush fire. A bush or grass fire can happen any time, but the risk is higher in summer. That’s why it’s vital that we prepare our homes now and know what we’ll do when faced with fire.

Due to COVID-19, many of the Get Ready Weekend events have been moved online. However, lockdown is also an opportune time to sit down with your families to prepare a plan, prepare your properties and seek advice from your local brigade. If you already have a plan, take time to sit down and revise it together. Use your time well to prepare your home and property.

It is quick and easy to make or improve a plan that will give a person’s property, family and themselves the best chance of survival should you be threatened by a bush fire.

To take the first step in preparing for bush fire, visit myfireplan.com.au 

The Bush Fire Household Assessment tool at assessmyrisk.rfs.nsw.gov.au is an easy way to assess the risk around a household.

Follow your local RFS brigade’s Facebook page for information as it becomes available. You can also visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.

The NSW RFS is reminding residents that fire permits are required and to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period.

Mayor Thompson also issued an important reminder that the quick succession of events has highlighted how important it is to be prepared for all hazards “We can’t be complacent. We know that communities that are prepared and connected are more likely to recover well after a disaster event. Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility.”

Get Ready in five simple steps:

Know your risk Think about the area you live in and the types of disasters that could affect you. Plan now for what you’ll do Sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area. Get your home ready Prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance. Be aware Find out how to prepare and what to do if there is a disaster in your area. Connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed. Look out for each other Share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance.

Lithgow City Council offers ongoing recovery services to those in the community. If in need of support, please contact Council on 6354 9999.