As COVID-19 concerns continue to dominate the thoughts of many Coast residents, Wamberal Rural Fire Brigade wants to make sure preparation for the coming bushfire season isn’t overlooked.
The brigade will hold a Get Ready Weekend on its social media channels on September 11 and 12.
It will post informative videos on its Facebook page and Instagram account and will invite questions from the community, to which it will provide answers.
“Get Ready Weekend is an opportunity for the community to engage with firefighters and learn more about their risk and how to prepare themselves, their families and homes from bushfire,” a spokesperson said.
“This year, Wamberal RFB is holding the event online on Facebook and Instagram.
“The videos, explaining the four simple steps to prepare for bush fire, will be accessible to the public.
“Even though community members may have a general understanding of bushfire risk, they don’t personalise that risk.
“Put simply, people think a fire won’t happen to them – and it can.
“(We) will be busting myths such as ‘I’ll be fine: I live a few blocks away from the bush’ and ‘A wet winter means a quiet fire season in summer’.
“A new system of Fire Alert Levels was put into use last year, so it’s important that the community is up to date with what they see on the Fires Near Me app.
“The team at Wamberal is working hard behind the scenes to connect with the community online, hoping this year joining forces with small businesses and Wamberal Public School will get the message out and make our community safer.”
The spokesperson said it takes just five minutes to improve or make a plan that will give your property, your family and yourself the best chance of survival should you be threatened by a bushfire.
Take the first step in preparing for bush fire by visiting www.myfireplan.com.au and follow the Wamberal Rural Fire Brigade Facebook page or wamberalrfb on Instagram on September 11 and 12.
Terry Collins