Plan. Prepare. Survive. this bushfire season

Preparations for the new bushfire season are under way, with Moreton Bay residents now being urged to make their own plans.

Planned burns have been completed at Mount Glorious, Albany Creek and Upper Caboolture to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.

City of Moreton Bay has more planned this year when conditions allow and now, residents are being urged to Plan. Prepare. Survive.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council manages and maintains more than 10,000 hectares of natural areas, but everyone has a role to play this bushfire season.

“Unlike the southern states, South East Queensland’s bushfire season typically begins in July and runs until October, but the City’s bushfire risk can extend well into February,” he said.

“City of Moreton Bay will continue conducting hazard reduction burns – or planned burns - when the conditions are right.

“We should never become complacent with preparation efforts and residents should remain vigilant, acting now to prepare their homes and family,” he said.

The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook expects Queensland will have a normal risk of fire this season, but a dry winter could mean bushfire season starts early.

“Regardless of where you live, bushfires can impact anyone, anywhere. Because of this, City of Moreton Bay residents should consider creating a Bushfire Survival Plan,” the Mayor says.

“We can’t always prevent natural disasters from occurring, but as a community we have a shared responsibility to ensure we are as prepared as possible if the unexpected happens.”

Ways to start preparing your home and family for bushfire season include:

• Trimming low-lying branches and native shrubs growing close to your house.
• Removing all rubbish, leaf litter, firewood and fuel containers.
• Stocking up your first aid kit.
• Checking and updating your home and contents insurance if needed.
• Reviewing and updating your Bushfire Survival Plan.
• Downloading the GetReady kit checklist.
• Ensuring pets are included in your emergency plan.

Residents can find out if their area is prone to bushfires with Postcode Checker and see if their home has a bushfire hazard overlay map with Council's My property look up.

Stay informed about planned burns and active fires by signing up to MoretonAlert for SMS and email updates.