Plan. Prepare. Survive - bushfire season is well and truly upon us

Published 29 September 2023

With bushfires already burning across the state and months of hot and dry conditions yet to come, City of Moreton Bay is calling on residents to prepare now for potential bushfire in their local areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology has formally declared an El Niño weather event, meaning one is underway for the first time in eight years.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway urged residents to act now and plan their household’s emergency and evacuation plan.

“Following years of wet weather, South East Queensland has an abundance of fuel that is now drying out and is essentially turning into tinder for bushfires,” she said.

“We have to act now to prepare ourselves for a potentially devastating year of fire.

“While we can't change the conditions, we can get our families, homes and properties ready.

“Council has been working with land managers across our city and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to execute planned burns to help protect homes and our natural environment.

“We need residents to make sure they are ready and that their property is as prepared as possible in the event of a fire too.

“Our message is simple - Plan. Prepare. Survive.

“Know what you will do in the event of a bushfire. Create a Bushfire Survival Plan that includes exit strategies for your household - including pets and livestock.

“Prepare your property now. Fill your water storage and tanks; clear out gutters and debris from the yard; and gather essential supplies that you’ll need if disaster strikes.

“Decide early if you’ll leave or stay to protect your property.

“Residents can stay up-to-date by subscribing to Council’s MoretonAlert. You’ll get real time warnings sent direct to your phone.

“In the event of an emergency, Council’s Disaster Dashboard will have all the key information you’ll need to stay informed, from fire danger ratings and current bushfires to road conditions and power outages, evacuation centres and so much more.

“We’ll do everything we can to help protect the community and wildlife, so please make sure you do what you can to protect your families and your homes.

“Plus, we're putting on the free, action-packed Moreton Bay Emergency Services Expo at Bribie Island on Saturday October 7, full of handy tips and family fun to encourage residents to learn more about emergency preparedness and meet the heroes who work hard to keep you safe each and every day.”

“The Moreton Bay Emergency Services Expo will have you getting up close to emergency service vehicles and equipment, and learning about the important work the teams do to keep us all safe.

“Sound the sirens in a police car, learn the ropes on what it takes to be a State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer, use the fire hose on a rural fire fighting truck and even look inside an ambulance.

“Expect to be wowed by the impressive displays of firefighters showcasing their firefighting techniques, and paramedics providing insights into life-saving medical procedures.”

Moreton Bay Emergency Services Expo | Bribie Island

For more information on City of Moreton Bay tools during an emergency see Disaster management and preparedness - City of Moreton Bay or the State Government’s Get Ready website.