Bushfire in the city?
At home
On holidays
Helping others
Get involved
During an emergency
If you live in the city, understanding what to do in the event of a bushfire is just as important for you too.
Here is some simple advice to keep you safe throughout the summer.
At home
Just because you live in Melbourne doesn't mean you're not at risk from bushfire or a serious grass fire.
It's essential you're always aware of local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
If your property is close to a park, forest or grassland, you can reduce the fire risk around your home by clearing anything that could fuel fire, like leaves, branches or long grass.
So start making your property summer fire safe now!
On holidays
If you're going on holidays or even a day trip, make sure you stay informed while you're away.
Observe local fire restrictions, tune into ABC Local radio for emergency information and warnings, and ensure your holiday accommodation is summer fire safe (gutters cleared, trimmed gardens) and has a working smoke alarm.
Before leaving home, don't forget to switch off all non-essential equipment and appliances.
Summer holidays are meant to be fun, so make sure you stay safe when you're on the roads, on the way to your holiday destination. Vehicles provide very limited protection from radiant heat.
In the event of a bushfire, visibility is likely to be reduced and roads may be blocked.
If you are caught in a vehicle, you should pull over into a clear space, remain inside, keep low and use woollen blankets for cover.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Helping others
On severe, extreme or catastrophic fire danger days, consider making your home available to friends or relatives who have decided to take the safest option, and leave early, so they're not in a bushfire area at the time of highest risk.
Also, if you have elderly or disabled neighbours, why not make the offer to assist them in preparing their property for the summer fire season?
Get involved
Aside from getting your property and yourself prepared, you can also get involved by helping at local clean up days in nearby parks.
Make sure you read the local newspaper for Council news, or call your local Council for information about community days and park committees (friends groups) you can join in your local area.
If you have a property in a rural area which is at a higher risk of being affected by fire, make sure you take action and get involved locally.
It's important to get involved both where you live, and where you have your property or holiday home.
During an emergency
If a large scale emergency occurs, to stay informed of fires occurring across the state, do not call triple zero, instead log-on to: www.cfa.vic.gov.au, call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or tune into ABC Local radio - your emergency broadcaster.
Triple zero should only be dialled to report an emergency; it should not be called for information requests.
For information in languages other than English call 1800 240 667 and specify your language.
For hearing and speech impaired call TTY 1300 727 301.