Are you prepared for fire season?

• Goondiwindi Regional Council urges residents to prepare for fire season now if they have not already
• Preventative measures mitigate loss and damage to possessions, property, and the environment
• Having an evacuation plan and emergency kit in place is highly encouraged

The Bureau of Meteorology has announced a total fire ban as the early start to the fire season continues with unseasonably hot and dry weather, urging Goondiwindi Regional landholders and residents to be prepared by minimising the risk and impact that fires could potentially have on properties.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, said as we come into summer and longer dry periods, it’s sensible to prepare your home and property by taking preventative measures.

“Being prepared helps to reduce loss and damage to possessions, property and the environment,” Cr Springborg said.

In town there are a number of measures residents and property owners can do to mitigate risk including removing leaves, twigs, bark, and other debris from gutters and roofs, keeping lawns and gardens well maintained and cutting back trees and shrubs that overhang buildings.

Rural landholders should take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their property by maintaining firebreaks and creating safe zones for livestock, clearing gutters and roofs from debris, and staying informed.

“Rural Fire Service is the backbone of firefighting in regional areas such as ours,” Cr Springborg said. “Not only do our volunteers tackle active blazes during bushfire season, but they also carry out essential fire prevention work.”

Whilst the Goondiwindi Regional Council Local Disaster Management Group and relevant emergency services do all they can to assist the community in times of potential disaster, it should be remembered that individuals are responsible for their own safety.

Residents can monitor fire danger ratings and tune into warnings by listening to local ABC radio stations (92.7FM / 747AM) to hear emergency updates that could affect the community.

Families and individuals are encouraged to have an evacuation plan in place and an emergency kit which includes essentials like regular medications.

The current fire ban for the entire Goondiwindi region began on Tuesday 24 October and will end on Friday 27 October at midnight.

Monitor the fire and weather situation at, www.qfes.qld.gov.au/current-incidents  and www.bom.gov.au.

Mitigate the risk of fire at your property or residence, visit Goondiwindi Regional Council Disaster Dashboard at, https://dashboard.grc.qld.gov.au/