Victorians reminded not to become complacent this autumn

Victorians reminded not to become complacent this autumn

03/03/2023, 4:31 PM

Following the wettest spring on record in 2022, Victoria recorded its lowest bushfire activity since 2010-11 in terms of area burnt.

Though Victoria’s drier than average conditions are expected to continue into autumn, it’s important for communities to understand their local risks.

Emergency services will continue to keep an eye on any changes in conditions, with outlook of normal fire potential across most of Victoria, expected into the autumn season.

Though we expect rainfall to be lower than average, we know that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. Heavy, isolated falls remain a risk to Victorians as they travel around the state, over Easter and through to ANZAC Day.

It’s important Victorians stay abreast of local conditions, especially in at risk locations, by setting up a Watch Zone on the VicEmergency app.

As the days shorten, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) encourages bushwalkers to take this account as they makes their plans, particularly through gullies and low-lying areas; where dusk falls sooner.

While we are in this period of drier weather, VICSES reminds Victorians to not become complacent, and encourage them to consider how they might prepare their property, their neighbours, and their community for adverse conditions.

You can help by assembling an emergency kit, reaching out to your neighbour, and contributing to or joining your local VICSES unit.

It’s important for communities to understand their local risks, whether fire or flood. Local flood guides for your area can be found on the VICSES website. You can also keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

Quotes attributable to Victoria State Emergency Service Chief Officer Tim Wiebusch:

"While we are in this period of drier weather, we remind Victorians to not become complacent, and encourage them to consider how they might ready their property, their neighbours, and their community for adverse conditions. You can help by assembling an emergency kit, reaching out to your neighbour, and contributing to or joining your local VICSES unit."

“If you encounter flooding over roads, take an alternative route and do not drive through it. Even where the floodwater is not deep, the road surface beneath may have torn away causing your vehicle to start floating, which is an incredibly dangerous situation.”