Redland City Council is urging residents to act now and be ready for bushfire season this summer, particularly at North Stradbroke Island.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said with hot and windy conditions forecast over the coming days, all Redlanders are reminded to be prepared in case bushfires occur in the area.
“North Stradbroke Island residents should be extra vigilant with weather forecasts predicting perfect conditions for bushfires,” Cr Williams said.
“There is no substitute for preparation. This includes preparing your home and property and developing a bushfire survival plan that everyone in the family understands.”
Prepare a bushfire survival plan:
- Decide whether you will ‘go early’ or ‘stay and defend’
- If going early, identify a safe place to evacuate to
- If staying and defending, ensure you receive expert advice to make certain that you are ready Decide how to look after your pets
- Prepare an emergency and evacuation kit, including a battery powered radio to listen to bushfire updates.
Prepare your home and property:
- Clear rubbish and vegetation from around your house
- Clean gutters and roof areas
- Regularly mow your lawn and remove grass and weeds from around sheds, fences and gates Display a prominent house number
- Make sure fire services can easily access your property.
Cr Williams said it was difficult to imagine a bushfire in our suburbs, but fires in residential homes or in our native bushland reserves are possible particularly during hot temperatures.
“Council has a Fire Management Plan and manages extensive areas of bushland across the city to minimise risk but extreme weather conditions can cause bushfires.”
For more information on bushfire ready tips visit www.redland.qld.gov.au or www.emergency.qld.gov.au. If you see fire or smoke contact emergency services on 000.