Code Red

What does it mean?

These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire.

Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in these conditions.

The safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas.

What should I do?

Leaving high risk bushfire areas the night before or early in the day is your safest option - do not wait and see.

Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass.

Know your trigger - make a decision about:

• When you will leave
• Where you will go
• How you will get there
• When you will return
• What you will do if you cannot leave

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Extreme

What does it mean?

Expect extremely hot, dry and windy conditions.

If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Spot fires will start, move quickly and come from many directions.

Homes that are situated and constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire, that are well prepared and actively defended, may provide safety.

You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.

What should I do?

• Consider staying with your property only if you are prepared to the highest level. This means your home needs to be situated and constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire*, you are well prepared and you can actively defend your home if a fire starts
• If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving high risk bushfire areas early in the day is your safest option
• Be aware of local conditions and seek information by listening to your emergency broadcasters, go to the building a home page or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

* For more information go to the building a home page

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Severe

What does it mean?

Expect hot, dry and possibly windy conditions.

If a fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable.

Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety.

You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.

What should I do?

• Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety - check your bushfire survival plan.
• If you are not prepared, leaving bushfire prone areas early in the day is your safest option.
• Be aware of local conditions and seek information by listening to your emergency broadcasters, go to cfa.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

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Very High

What does it mean?

If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled in these conditions and homes can provide safety.

Be aware of how fires can start and minimise the risk.

Controlled burning off may occur in these conditions if it is safe - check to see if permits apply.

What should I do?

• Check your bushfire survival plan
• Monitor conditions
• Action may be needed
• Leave if necessary.

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High

What does it mean?

If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled in these conditions and homes can provide safety.

Be aware of how fires can start and minimise the risk.

Controlled burning off may occur in these conditions if it is safe - check to see if permits apply.

What should I do?

• Check your bushfire survival plan
• Monitor conditions
• Action may be needed
• Leave if necessary.

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Low - Moderate

What does it mean?

If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled in these conditions and homes can provide safety.

Be aware of how fires can start and minimise the risk.

Controlled burning off may occur in these conditions if it is safe - check to see if permits apply.

What should I do?

• Check your bushfire survival plan
• Monitor conditions
• Action may be needed
• Leave if necessary.

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