Prepare now for bushfire season

It’s officially bushfire season and Lockyer Valley Regional Council is reminding residents that being prepared can help protect lives, homes, and communities.

Council’s Mayor Tanya Milligan said bushfire safety should be everyone’s priority.

“You don’t have to live in the bush to be at risk.

“Embers can travel long distances, and smoke can affect communities well beyond the fire front.

“If you live in bushfire prone land, it is vital you have a bushfire survival plan and consider the impact bushfires may have on routes to work or school.

“Bushfires can have devastating effects on communities – a few weeks of hot, dry and windy weather and conditions can change quickly.

“While bushfires can occur at any time, Queensland’s higher risk bushfire season is between July and October, but elevated risk can continue through to February,” she said.

Mayor Milligan said preparation is the most effective way residents can protect themselves, their families and their property.

“Don’t wait until fire is threatening your property - learn how fire behaves, put together an emergency kit and have a bushfire survival plan.

“Leaving early is always the safest option. If your decision is to stay and defend, you must be well prepared,” Mayor Milligan said.

To find out more about your local risks and preparing your home, or to make a bushfire survival plan, visit https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires.

Council’s Disaster Dashboard provides up to date information on road closures, power outages, emergency news and has links to key sites https://disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au/.

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.