It's Fire Action Week – Are You Ready to Act?
Premier Ted Baillieu and Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan warned that all Victorians should start preparing now to minimise risk during the upcoming fire season.
Speaking at the State Control Centre at the start of Fire Action Week, Mr Baillieu and Mr Ryan joined emergency services chiefs in imploring Victorians to do the most to minimise their risk and maximise their survival this fire season.
"On a Code Red day, leaving early is the safest option," Mr Baillieu said.
"There are tools and information available to help you and your family stay safe, but it's up to you to use them."
Mr Baillieu said this year's focus was for all Victorians to prepare themselves and their families in the event of a bushfire.
"People who live in a high-risk area will need comprehensive advice for their plan and should call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 to request a Bushfire Survival Plan contained in the Fire Ready Kit," Mr Baillieu said.
Fire Action Week includes the release of tools for personal fire planning, including a brand new version of the FireReady smartphone application across several mobile platforms, a Facebook page and the online version of My Plan, hosted on the Country Fire Association (CFA) website.
"The My Plan tools and Traveller's Checklist are new social media resources to organise personal and family fire plans. They can be completed at your own pace and updated with current warnings in your local area.
"Discussing and writing down your fire plan is the most effective way to ensure your safety. Talking to family and neighbours, regularly revising your plan to take into account any changes to your circumstances and having a backup plan will ensure you are ready to act whatever the conditions," Mr Baillieu said.
Fire Action Week runs from 13 to 20 November and concludes with CFA Sunday when more than 400 brigades across the state will open their doors to the community.