Communities are being urged to prepare their homes and families for the bushfire season, with local Rural Fire Service brigades hosting Get Ready Weekend events on September 19.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) says several events will be held across the New England region as part of more than 520 taking place statewide.
RFS Superintendent Bron Waters said recent wet conditions had contributed to significant vegetation growth, increasing the potential fire risk as conditions become warmer and drier.
“After years of wet weather, we know bush fires haven’t been front of mind for a lot of people,” said Waters.
“However, with that rain has come significant vegetation growth, and as conditions become drier and warmer this summer the threat of serious bush and grass fires is returning.
“Now is the time for residents to start thinking about what needs to be done to prepare their homes and families, and Get Ready Weekend is the perfect opportunity to have these conversations.”
Recent RFS research found 70 per cent of people said they had a bushfire plan, but fewer than half had taken steps to prepare their property.
The research also found 62 per cent of people were unaware of free RFS resources available to help them prepare.
Waters said households had a role to play in reducing their risk.
“Emergency services will always do everything we can to protect communities, but every household also has a responsibility to be prepared.”
The RFS recommends five steps residents can take to prepare their properties: trim overhanging trees and shrubs, mow grass and remove clippings, remove flammable items from around homes, clear leaves and debris from gutters and prepare hoses that can reach around the property.
“Preparing for bush fires is easier than people may think and often includes many of the common household chores that come with maintaining a property,” said Waters.
“Perhaps the most important thing you can do is take a few minutes and ask: if threatened by fire, when will you go, what will you take, and where will you go?”
Get Ready Weekend will be held on September 19 and 20, with Tamworth-area events scheduled at Pioneer Park in Manilla, Kingswood Local Store, Bunnings Tamworth, the Wallamore area and Moore Creek IGA.
Residents who cannot attend an event can find information about preparing a bushfire survival plan through the RFS website or My Fire Plan.