Now is the time to start taking action

All hazards

Risks spanning across multiple hazard types and across the emergency management system.

Biosecurity

Exotic animal and plant disease outbreaks and pest incursions can have significant economic, community and environmental impacts.

Bushfire and other fires

Bushfire and other fires have potential consequences including loss of life and property, and damage to infrastructure and environment.

Climate change

Risks include more days of extreme heat, harsher fire weather, less rainfall and rising sea levels.

Communications disruption

Communications services are crucial in keeping communities safe, connected and informed before, during and after emergencies.

Cyber security and ICT systems failure

Risks relating to the confidentiality, availability, integrity of information and data and disruption of services.

Energy supply disruption

Reliable energy supplies are critical to many social and economic activities.

Flood

Major flood events have occurred in Victoria every 10 to 20 years, with much of the increasing risk created by human settlement.

Hazardous material incident

Potential risks relate to many places where Victoria’s hazardous materials are manufactured, stored, transported, used and disposed.

Heatwave

Heatwaves are considered to be the ‘silent killer’ of extreme weather events and are the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Australia.

Public health emergency

Risks may relate to the delivery of public health services, with impacts on community health and wellbeing and potential for loss of life.

Supply chain disruption

Geopolitical, environmental, economic, societal and infrastructure-related shocks can expose supply chains to wide ranging consequences.

Terrorism and extremism

Attacks carried out by individuals or non-state groups with ideological, political or religious goals can result in loss of life, severe injury and/or material damage.

Water supply disruption

Risks include collection, storage, treatment, delivery, availability and allocation of water for consumption and environmental, recreation and cultural uses.

Workforce and resourcing

Risks may relate to human resource supply and skills to support emergency management operations.

As Victoria’s weather begins to warm and we edge closer to an earlier fire season, CFA’s message to those in high-risk bushfire areas is clear – prepare your property.

Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, so it’s vital for everyone to plan ahead.

According to the latest Spring Seasonal Outlook (External link), Victoria can expect a warmer spring, contributing to higher fire risk in parts of the state this season.

There are a number of simple tasks people can complete to reduce their risk this season, and now is the time to start taking action.

Take the following actions to prepare yourself and your property:

Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
Clear your gutters.
Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.
The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify (External link), or call ESTA on 1800 688 511.

CFA also encourages Victorians to discuss and practise their bushfire survival plan with their family or household. Practising your bushfire survival plan could save your family’s life.

You can find out how to make a plan at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan. (External link)

And, remember to stay up to date with the latest information at www.emergency.vic.gov.au (External link) or download the VicEmergency app

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As Victoria’s weather begins to warm and we edge closer to an earlier fire season, CFA’s message to those in high-risk bushfire areas is clear – prepare your property.

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