During a VicEmergency livestream from the State Control Centre on Tuesday, February 27, emergency service authorities warned Victorians to be prepared for extreme bushfire conditions on Wednesday.
The CFA has declared a total fire ban for Wednesday across six Victorian regions, including Northern Country, which includes the local government areas of Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Moira and Strathbogie.
Northern Country remains in extreme weather conditions alongside the Mallee, North Central, Central and South West regions, with Wimmera being updated to catastrophic conditions today.
The total fire ban indicates that no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am Wednesday, February 28, to 11.59pm that night.
High winds and dry and hot conditions with temperatures exceeding 40℃ are expected in many parts of the state on Wednesday, including the Northern Country.
A wind change with higher gusts of wind is predicted around midnight on Wednesday.
Emergency services ask Victorians to be prepared, especially those living in high-risk bushfire areas.
Those at high risk include those living among grass or paddocks, close to or among dens or open bush, or in a suburb where bush or grasslands meet nearby.
To prepare for potential bushfires, the CFA encourages people to familiarise themselves with their existing bushfire plan or to create one if their household does not have one yet.
Bushfire plans and information about being prepared can be found on the CFA website.
The CFA encourages people to have a go bag ready, filled with the following:
- Overnight bag with a change of clothes and toiletries.
- Medicines and first aid kit.
- Important information, such as passport, will, photos, jewellery.
- Mobile phone and charger.
- Adequate amount of water.
- Wool blankets.
- Contact information for your doctor, council and power company.
- Additional masks.
- Hand sanitiser.
- Antibacterial wipes.
If a grassfire or bushfire starts nearby, it is best to leave early.
Grassfires and bushfires can travel extremely fast and happen without warning, especially on days with the weather conditions that are predicted for Wednesday, which can help a fire spread fast.
However, when you cannot leave, it’s essential to take shelter as the main cause of death in bushfires is radiant heat.
Shelter somewhere with more than one exit, and don’t shelter in dams, pools or water tanks unless as a last resort, as it leaves your face, head and lungs exposed to the heat and smoke.
How to prepare your property for bushfires
Mow any long grass/weeds
Remove any wood piles
Remove foliage like leaves and stick from around the home
Cut any overhanging branches leaning over the house
Prune tree and bushes short
Clear leaves from gutters
Bring doormats inside, alongside any other items outside that are flammable
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