By Dr Michelle Byrne – Mayor of the Hills Shire Council
As bush fire season approaches, now is the time for residents to take practical steps to prepare their households early to help protect their family, home and property.
One simple way to get started is by signing up to the Four Weeks to Fire Ready program. Council has partnered with NSW Rural Fire Service to deliver this free initiative, which gives residents clear, practical advice to better understand their bush fire risk and prepare in manageable steps.
Week 1: Discuss – Know what you and your family will do if a bush fire threatens.
Week 2: Prepare – Take simple steps around your home to get ready for bush fire season.
Week 3: Know – Understand Bush Fire Danger Ratings, alerts and warnings.
Week 4: Keep up to date – Know where to find reliable bush fire information when you need it.
The program also includes a Community Preparedness Survey, which allows residents to check how ready they are and identify areas where their bush fire planning could be improved. After completing the survey, participants receive a personalised score and feedback with suggested actions to help prepare their household.
Preparing for this year’s bush fire season is especially important as authorities continue to monitor forecasts of hotter and drier conditions, which can increase bush fire risk and place extra pressure on emergency services. Conditions may change across the season, but preparation remains one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and help households respond safely if needed.
I’d like to thank the RFS for bringing this initiative to our community. As well as being on the frontline to protect us from bush fires, the RFS do so much work behind the scenes to help build a safer and more resilient community in the lead up to bush fire season.
To sign up, visit: https://4weeks2fireready.com.au/
