In brief
- State of Alert declared in ACT.
- Smoke and hot weather to continue over the weekend.
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid going outside, particularly while the smoke is so bad.
- Keep windows and doors closed to keep the heat and smoke out.
- Using evaporative cooling while the smoke is so bad might bring more smoke into your home.
- If you have a fan you can place a damp (not dripping wet) towel over the guard to help cool things down. Make sure the towel cannot make contact with the fan blades.
- Keep checking the ESA website, ABC Canberra and local TV & radio channels for the most up-to--date and accurate information
- Prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan – info at ESA website & Grab and Go booklet
- In an emergency call 000
Updating
Posted 2.15 pm 04/01/20
No fires near Canberra at present. To monitor, download the 'Fires Near Me' app to your phone:
Android phones:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.nsw.rfs.firesnearme.national&hl=en_AU
iPhones:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/fires-near-me-australia/id406270824
Posted 10.00 am 04/01/20
Health ACT information: managing smoke & extreme heat conditions - https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/heavy-smoke-and-extreme-heat-conditions-act
Posted 9.15 am 04/01/20
Heavy smoke from bushfires burning in NSW is currently impacting the ACT
A change in wind direction has caused the smoke to blow across the ACT region.
Please call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire. For updates on bushfires in the ACT check the ESA Incidents Map or download the NSW Fires Near Me app.
Posted 4.05pm 03/01/20
We are advised that there is no immediate threat to the Territory & no current grass or bush fires.
EveryMan clients:
- If you haven't got access to a printer, EveryMan will print you a copy of the Bushfire Survival Plan and the Grab and Go booklet. Just come to our office, or ask your case worker to bring copies to your next home visit.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the information here, please call us at the office or use the On Call number
- EveryMan will continue to monitor the situation and keep clients informed of any changes and further information which becomes available.
State of Alert
The State of Alert declared on Friday 03/01/20 is about preparedness. The State of Alert has been put in place to enable our emergency services to be as responsive as possible to bushfire risks in coming days.
Evacuation Centre Planning & resources
We have been advised that emergency evacuation centres have not yet been established in the ACT, but if and when they are, we have been assured that information about disability access and other requirements will be made available on the ACT ESA website and via ABC Canberra.
In the meantime the grab and go booklet is a useful resource for personal emergency planning. People are advised to print, discuss and prepare this resource and to prepare a getaway kit:
Please stay tuned to media, heed health warnings, look after yourself, check on neighbours and friends (especially those without air conditioning) and stay indoors if possible while the smoke and heatwave conditions persist.
Dickson Relief Centre
For people travelling from bushfire affected areas and needing a break, the ACT Government has set up a Relief Centre at Dickson College to provide assistance and support. Dickson College is on Phillip Avenue, Dickson ACT. At this stage, the centre will be open until 5pm Friday. More information is available at http://esa.act.gov.au/state-alert-declared-act-0.
Support with animal transit from the South Coast
Queanbeyan and Bungendore showgrounds are open for emergency transit accommodation. Queanbeyan, Braidwood and Bungendore Showgrounds are open for large animals. https://www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/News-Media/Temporary-emergency-accommodation-Queanbeyan-and-Bungendore-Showgrounds
(Thanks to ACTCOSS for the information used on this page)
