This week marks the start of the 2023-24 hazard season in the ACT. As the likelihood of storms and bushfires increases across the territory, Canberrans should turn to the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) for trusted information.
The bushfire season began on Sunday. The ACT ESA will enact Fire Danger Rating Signs and mandatory fire permits, and may declare Total Fire Bans on days of severe fire danger in the region. An El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean to the east and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) to the west could exacerbate dry conditions, increasing the risk of extreme heat and wildfires.
“Living in the ‘bush capital’ of Australia means that the occurrence of high-risk weather events, such as storms, floods, bushfires, and heatwaves, are an inevitable, but the impacts of them can be reduced,” said Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services. “Being prepared for these events is essential to each individual’s safety, and plays a significant role in the wider resilience of our community.
“The ESA website provides information and resources to assist in preparing your home or property for all hazards, as well as templates for survival plans. This is a great place to start your preparedness journey. We’re ready when Canberra prepares together.”
Be ready for bushfires
The ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) works year-round to prepare Canberra for the hazard season, Chief Officer Rohan Scott said.
ACTRFS works with rural land holders and the ACT Parks & Conservation Service to conduct prescribed burns and manage fuel loads across the capital, Chief Officer Scott said. However, this should not mean the community is complacent when it comes to bushfire safety.
“Regardless of the severity of the season ahead, the risk of bush and grass fire remains, and you need to be prepared, informed, and know what to do in the event of a fire or smoke impact. To learn how to be fire ready, and to understand the fire risk to the ACT, you can check the daily fire danger rating on the ESA website.
“Additionally, social connections are integral in building community resilience. Reach out to your neighbours, family, friends, and anyone that may need an extra helping hand, to see if you can assist each other in any kind of emergency.”
Chief Officer Scott praised the commitment, skill, and professionalism of the ACTRFS volunteers.
“We are incredibly grateful for the time you dedicate to your community, particularly through a period that is the holiday season for many Canberrans.”
Staying storm safe
The ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) has recruited 92 more volunteers, who are prepared for the storm season ahead.
The community should also prepare themselves and their property for hazard season, ACTSES Chief Officer Anthony Draheim said.
“ACTSES is asking Canberrans for their support. You can help us by ensuring your home is prepared all year round for a storm. Trim overhanging trees; know what to do in a storm or flood event; and ensure you have an emergency plan, including home emergency kit with supplies that will last for at least 72 hours,” Chief Officer Draheim said.
Chief Officer Draheim also thanked volunteers. “All of them give up valuable time with family and friends to help our community all hours of the day and night. We would not be able to provide the level assistance that we do without their dedication.”
The ACT Emergency Services Agency will conduct a community awareness campaign throughout the hazard season to encourage Canberra residents to prepare for bushfires and extreme weather.
For more information and tips on how you can Be Emergency Ready, visit www.esa.act.gov.au
For storm and flood assistance, call 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Emergency 000.
