AWARE WHEN AWAY
PREPARING FOR A POTENTIAL EMERGENCY
It is critical to be aware of fire risk, watch warnings, and be aware of the weather and fire conditions during your length of stay. A fire plan is pivotal to have prepared in order to stay calm and safe if an emergency does occur. Leaving early is always the wisest decision and advice. Never travel into any high-risk bushfire area where a Code Red has been declared. If you're staying in Lakes Entrance on a high-risk bushfire day, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on which the Code Red has been declared.
UNDERSTANDING THE WARNINGS
Warnings are issued when a fire has started and you need to take action.
Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings and what they mean.
ADVICE
An incident is occurring or has occurred in the area
Access information and monitor conditions.
pay considerable attention to the location of the fire.
prepare what you need to incase of needing to leave
WATCH AND ACT
An emergency is developing nearby.
You need to take action now to protect yourself and others.
suggest to tourists to leave non at this stage before i
EMERGENCY
You are in imminent danger and need to take action now.
You will be impacted.
evacuate now if it is no longer safe to do so go to emergency places in town
PREPARDNESS KITS
WHAT IT INCLUDES
tools
Portable battery-operated radio
Waterproof torch
Spare batteries
safety
foil blankets
Mask
Drinking water
First aid:
Band-Aids and bandages
Medicine
Education:
Emergency contact numbers
Map of lakes entrance
Are you Ready guide
Reference website
QUESTIONNAIRE
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Do you know the fire weather prediction in Lakes Entrance for the length of stay?
Do you know the Fire Danger Rating today?
Do you have the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226) saved in your mobile phone
Have you downloaded the free VicEmergency app?
Do you have protective clothing?
Do you have planned transport if you need to evacuate?
Are you aware of the locations you need to go during an emergency
Do you understand what the warnings mean?
Do you have an understanding of the location of Lakes Entrance geographically?
If there is a need to evacuate, where will you go or stay? Can you go home? Or do you need to stay with someone?
Have you developed a series of alternate routes for evacuation?
What personal belongings must you take with you?
If you have any pets how will you plan to evacuate and what do they need?
LAKES ENTRANCE WHERE TO GO?
During an emergency event of a bushfire, the last resort place within the town to gather in during the emergency is mapped through the yellow highlighted area. This is the main beach. In the situation you are unable to access the beach, other places include the golf club grounds, and the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve and Camping Ground. All these spaces can facilitate the large numbers of people as a gathering space during an emergency by the water.
*these places are the last resort option. gathering in these places is only advised when it becomes too late to leave Lakes Entrance*
EVACUATING ADVICE
LEAVING
Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. Leaving early means leaving the area before a fire starts – not when you can see flames or smell smoke. Leaving early means avoiding panic, being trapped, making the wrong choices, and risking serious injury or death.
You will need to know what route to take and have an alternative if that route is blocked or congested. The princess highway will be extremely congested as the main road in and out of the area. Leave in plenty of time to allow for traffic congestion.
If you do not have your own car you will need to think about options, such as public transport or others in the area that you may know. Prepare your car with an emergency supply kit and water to be prepared for a long journey. Leaving early is a critical step as a tourist to ensure the local community is able to undertake necessary steps and plans.
References images
Robert Irwin, 2020, https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice/2020-bushfire
Jonathan Hair, 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-03/nsw-bushfires-death-toll-and-homes-destroyed-rises/11835982