Preparations heating up ahead of bushfire season
Published 26 August 2020
As winter wraps up and the mercury starts to rise, so too does the risk of bushfires in the Moreton Bay Region.
Now is the perfect time for residents to prepare their families and homes to minimise potential bushfire risks ahead of this year’s bushfire season.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Peter Flannery said knowing your risk of bushfires, having a plan and being prepared are key to staying safe.
“The devastation of last year’s bushfire season is fresh in everyone’s minds and reminds us how important it is to plan and prepare early before it’s too late,” Cr Flannery said.
“The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a La Niña watch which may bring increased rainfall to the region.
“The La Niña weather pattern may bring higher than average rainfall, but the risk of bushfire will remain after the recent drought, so we are still urging residents to be prepared.
“Council has just wrapped up its fire hazard reduction schedule for the season which included 23 planned burns over 180 ha of Council-managed bushland to help remove high-risk ground fuel across the region.
“Residents can do their part to minimise their bushfire risk at their properties by mowing their lawns regularly, trimming trees and clearing gutters of dead leaves and twigs.
“Council even offers free waste disposal to Moreton Bay residents at our dumps, so there’s no excuse for not doing the right thing and preparing your property.”
Councillor Flannery said residents can visit Council’s website to understand their bushfire risk and sign up to MoretonAlert, Council’s free emergency alert system to stay up to date.
“It’s essential that everyone across Moreton Bay understands and updates their Bushfire Survival Plan, and please check your home and vehicle insurance policies to make sure you’re covered should the worst happen.
“Be sure to keep up to date with the latest news from BOM, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and Rural Fire Service Queensland to stay informed.”
Sign up to receive free updates via MoretonAlert: www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/moretonalert
Learn how to prepare for a disaster and access Council’s disaster portal: www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/disaster