The bushfire yesterday and overnight in the Coles Bay and Friendly Beaches area is a stark reminder of how quickly Tasmanian communities can be impacted by natural disasters.
We know that this year is predicted to be warmer and drier with an El Nino weather pattern confirmed by the Bureau of Meteorology yesterday, and Tasmanians need to prepare their families and properties with a proper Bushfire Plan.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, thanked the Tasmanian Fire Service, State Emergency Service, volunteer crews and first responders who attended the East Coast fires in the past 24 hours.
“Our emergency service responders are always available at a moment’s notice to help keep Tasmanian communities safe, and we thank you,” Minister Ellis said.
“The TFS and SES has more than 5000 registered volunteers they can call on, and our state-wide systems are designed to support surge capacity from within and beyond regions and districts.
“We also have strike teams and other specialised resources, like aerial support, that can be mobilised to higher risk areas at short notice.
“As we emphasised on Monday, this week is National Emergency Ready Week and it is worth repeating these four key steps.”
- GET IN THE KNOW: about your risks, where to get information and how to manage stress.
- GET CONNECTED: by identifying emergency contacts, meeting places and people who can help.
- GET ORGANISED: with important documents, medical information, insurance and pet plans.
- GET PACKING: with a list to help you survive and personal items that are important to you.
“Tasmanians already know that our beautiful State is also one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world and we also know that emergencies, like flash floods, can happen extremely quickly.
“I urge all Tasmanians, and especially those in regional areas, to take the bushfire threat seriously and be prepared so you can protect your loved ones and your property,” Minister Ellis said.
If you need the most accurate and up-to-date information there is one source of truth for Tasmanians seeking news about bushfires, floods and natural disaster events – go to TasALERT.com
