Victoria is one of the world's most fire prone areas. If you are travelling or holidaying anywhere around the state this summer, make sure you're FireReady.
Stay informed and, be prepared and pack some essential items so you're ready to leave when you need to.
Never travel into any high-risk bushfire area where a Catastrophic day has been declared. If you're staying in a high-risk bushfire area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on which Catastrophic has been declared.
If you live or travel to work through bushfire risk areas, check CFA's Bushfire Safety for Workers page for an interactive online awareness session aimed at workers, but available for everyone.
Advice on travelling during the fire danger period.
1
Do you know the fire weather district you're travelling to or through?
2
Do you know the most up to date Fire Danger Rating for the area you are travelling to or through?
Check your Fire Danger Rating forecast daily over summer. You can find this information by visiting the Total fire bans and ratings page or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
3
Is there a Total Fire Ban in the area you are travelling to or through?
Check whether there's a Total Fire Ban where you're staying or passing through by visiting Total Fire Bans & Ratings or calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. You can also get more detailed information from these locations about what is and isn't allowed on a Total Fire Ban day, including restrictions around barbeques and campfires.
4
Are you keeping up to date with local weather conditions?
Monitor weather conditions (and the daily Fire Danger Rating) in the fire weather district you're travelling in or through by listening to ABC or local radio, visiting the Total fire bans and ratings page or calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. You should also keep an eye on your surroundings.
5
Are you prepared to change your travel plans on hot, dry and windy days?
On hot, dry and windy days, have a back-up destination to visit such as cities and towns. Never travel into any high-risk bushfire area where a Code Red has been declared.
See also: Back-up plans
6
Have you packed essential items to help if you are caught in a fire situation?
Get items such as woollen blankets, drinking water and protective clothing (like long-sleeved cotton tops, pants, hats and sturdy shoes) together and ready to go.
See also: What to take with you
7Do you have the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)saved in your mobile phone and have you downloaded the free VicEmergency app?
The VicEmergency Hotline and VicEmergency app give you Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans, emergency warnings and key bushfire preparation and planning information. Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or via National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 if you are hearing impaired. If you do not speak English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service for translated information from the VicEmergency Hotline on 131 450. If you know someone who cannot speak English provide them with this number. Download the app
8
If you are staying away from home for a night or more, have you discussed your Leaving Early options?
Find out what bushfire safety plans are in place for the area you're staying in. Ask for information on how to leave the area (get various routes) and find out if there is a Neighbourhood Safer Place nearby (a place of last resort where you can go if you are caught by not leaving early enough).
Your checklist
Things you need to do before you go
- You have not added any checks for your travel.
Page last updated: Monday, 4 December 2023 10:21:41 AM