With bushfire season here, it’s important to be prepared in case you need to evacuate. The Tasmanian Government and Tasmania Fire Service recommend these bushfire preparation tips:

• Create or update your Bushfire Plan
• Talk about your Bushfire Plan with family, neighbours and friends
• Clear your property and prepare an emergency kit
• Know when to leave and where to go
• Check ABC local radio, TasALERT (www.TasALERT.com), TFS Website (fire.tas.gov.au) and TFS Social Media
• Monitor the weather (bom.gov.au) and know if a total fire ban is in place.

Brighton Council’s Evacuation Centres are the Brighton Civic Centre at 25 Green Point Road, Bridgewater (primary centre) and the Pontville Sports Ground and Memorial Hall (secondary centre).

If a resident is asked to evacuate their house/property, they will always be advised and encouraged to firstly seek out family or friends they can stay with. If evacuating to family or friends, they may consider registering online through the Register. Find.Reunite program to help others find you. This program is only activated during emergencies.

If the resident is unable to arrange alternative accommodation (family, friends, hotels, motels, caravan parks etc), temporary short-term accommodation may be available at a designated evacuation centre, depending on the situation.

For bushfire emergency planning guidelines and templates, please visit www.bushfire.tas.gov.au.