Emergency services personnel are coming together this month to prepare for the upcoming high-risk season through multi-agency briefings in several locations across Gippsland.
Deputy Emergency Management Commissioner Chris Stephenson said Senior Victorian operational personnel were joining regional and local emergency management personnel for briefings on the localised bushfire, flood and storm outlook, and specific local risks.
Deputy Commissioner Stephenson said the multi-agency briefings were an important part of preparedness activities.
“Good information will always lead to good decisions,” Deputy Commissioner Stephenson said.
“It’s important to know where you can get emergency information, including the VicEmergency app, VicEmergency Facebook and Twitter, and know who your emergency broadcasters are.”
Country Fire Authority’s Acting Deputy Chief Officer for the South East, Bryan Russell said Gippsland was expecting a third year in a row of below average bushfire risk across the area.
“With significant rainfall forecast over the coming months, we expect to see a large amount of grass growth throughout Gippsland, meaning grass fires will once again be a reality this summer.”
Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Ken Block said summer season preparedness was a shared responsibility between the emergency management sector and the community.
“It’s important you understand your fire risk and get prepared now, don’t wait until a fire starts,” Commissioner Block said.
“Make sure you and everyone in your household knows what to do during the summer period, when fires can start and spread quickly,” he said.
“If you live near grasslands, you need to understand the risks associated with fast-moving grassfires.
“If a fire starts in grasslands near your home, walk two streets back and keep clear of responding emergency services.”
Chief Officer Operations of the Victoria State Emergency Service, Tim Wiebusch said that with a wet spring and early summer expected, it was also important Victorians began to plan for floods and storms.
Further information on how to prevent for an emergency can be accessed at this PS News link.
