Lesson 10 - Fire Danger Ratings (FDRs)

Lesson objectives:

• For students to know what Fire Danger Ratings are and where to find them during the Fire Danger Period.
• For students to know that 'leaving early' is the safest option for people who live in bushfire-prone areas.

Animation:

Fire Danger Ratings - CFA (Note - general CFA animation, not program specific)

Key messages:

• Fire Danger Ratings are used during the Fire Danger Period (usually October to May).
• The Fire Danger Rating tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started.

• Every day an arrow will point to the rating for the day.
• The higher the rating, the more dangerous the situation if a fire starts.
• Code Red is the most dangerous rating.
• On a Code Red day, do not stay in bushfire prone areas, leave the night before or early in the morning.
• Do not travel into the bush on Extreme and Code Red days.
• Ratings are forecast up to four days in advance.
• The ratings can be found:
  • Online at www.emergency.vic.gov.au or www.cfa.vic.gov.au
  • By calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
  • Along major roads and in towns.

Levels 0-1 teaching tools and activities:

• Activity 10.1 Fire Danger Ratings Key Words and Images
• Activity 10.2 Fire Danger Rating Worksheet

Levels 2-4 teaching tools and activities:

• Activity 10.3 Fire Danger Ratings Discussion Cards