Local Rural Fire Service brigades across the central west region are preparing to host COVDSafe Get Ready Weekend events this weekend.
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The aim of Get Ready Weekend is to educate and encourage residents to start planning for the bushfire danger period.
Geurie Rural Fire Service will open its doors on Sunday, September 20, from 10am to 2pm at the local RFS in Wellington St.
Geurie RFS members Chris Newberry said this year will be a little bit different, with the day mainly focusing on giving residents information.
Topics on the day will include preparing your home and family in the bushfire danger period, such as clearing gutters and cutting overhanging branches plus the importance of adequate hoses.
Another topic that will be featured is the importance of having bushfire survival plan.
"They need to have one of those in advance, it's not something you can just throw together on the day," Mr Newberry said.
Geurie RFS members will have information packs available for residents on the day and on social media over the next few weeks for those who cannot attend.
"We are quite active in the community and it's nice to have a chat with people," Mr Newberry said, adding that it was so important to inform residents now before the hot summer period commences.
"A lot of people are under the impression that because so much was burnt last year that there is nothing left to burn, which is not true," he said.
"With all the recent rain we've had there is a lot of growth around, especially in the grasslands which surrounds Geurie."
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Mr Newberry said farmers will also be harvesting this year, something they have not been able to do for some time.
"So there is the potential of machinery not being used for a while going wrong and grassfires can move up to three times faster than a bushfire and they will start and run quickly," he said.
"Having your property prepared and a nice, clear area around the house gives you a better chance of protecting it."
Other Get Ready Weekend events will be held at Elong Elong and Minore, Wongarbon, Boothenba, Eulomogo, Ballimore, Cumboogle and Barrabadeen.
For more information on preparing for a bushfire visit the RFS website.
Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
