As we enter the summer months, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of knowing what to do in a bushfire.
During current or anticipated bushfire activity, alerts will be issued by emergency services according to the Fire Danger rating, forecast using data from the Bureau of Meteorology. These ratings range in increasing severity from Moderate to High to Extreme; to the highest level: Catastrophic.
The Fire Danger rating for each region is updated regularly depending on the current and forecast conditions. Victoria Fire Danger ratings | NSW Fire Danger ratings
Extreme rating
If an Extreme rating has been issued and includes the region you live or study in, we recommend you study at home if it is safe to do so. Where possible, we encourage you to avoid travelling to a region that has an Extreme rating in place. Exercise care and continue to monitor emergency services updates.
Catastrophic rating
If a Catastrophic rating has been issued for your region, the University’s expectation is that you only study if you are in a location where it is safe for you to do so. Please avoid high-risk bushfire areas, be aware of your personal safety and ensure you continue to monitor your surrounding conditions and are prepared to act on any further updates or instructions issued by emergency services or the University.
Official emergency service updates will be available at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ (Victoria) and https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me (NSW).
For further information on how to stay safe during bushfire season and to learn which fire district you are located in, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au (Victoria) and www.rfs.nsw.gov.au (NSW).