Big Medicine

Sydney NSW--People planning their summer vacations need to be aware of the impact a bushfire could have on their holiday plans.

Whether you’re staying with relatives or in holiday accommodation such as caravan parks and camping grounds, if you’re going to be near bushland over the summer months you need to take some extra precautions before heading off.

Developing a Bush Fire Survival Plan as part of your holiday preparations will ensure you and your family know what to do in the event of bush fire.

Be aware of the Fire Danger Rating for the area you are holidaying in or travelling through. On days of total fire ban, reconsider plans to travel into remote bushland areas such as national parks and forests.

The NSW Rural Fire Service has warned that it is vital that people holidaying in unfamiliar or bush fire prone areas remain up-to-date with weather forecasts and bush fire warnings.

Make sure you have a battery-operated radio handy so you can listen to local radio stations for
information about bush fire activity in the area.

Ensure camp fires are fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the area and remember that open fires are not permitted on total fire ban days.

NSW Fire Brigades have cautioned that following a few simple caravanning and camping fire safety tips could prevent a tragedy this summer.

It’s very important that people never smoke or cook in a tent and if they have a caravan it is recommended that you install a smoke alarm.

Holiday makers should also check whether their camping area or caravan park has mobile phone coverage so that they can dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or, if not, identify the fastest way to call for help.

Key fire safety tips for holidaymakers include:
• Keep up-to-date with bush fire information and know what you will do if a fire starts;
• Familiarise yourself with the evacuation routes and meeting points at caravan parks and camping grounds;
• Install a smoke alarm close to the sleeping area in a caravan and have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the exit; and
• Ensure that all electrical and gas equipment, including barbeques and stoves, is tested and in good working order.

For further information on caravan and camping fire safety visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au. For information on bush fire
preparation visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au