This is the advice given by the CFA which, despite the relatively gentle fire season so far, is urging Victorians to be bushfire ready in case the worst should occur.
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and bushfires often occur throughout the state.
Victorians who live in a regional area at risk of bushfire and grassfires are recommended to always leave the night before or morning of an extreme or catastrophic rating.
Evacuees are recommended to pack a phone charger, cash, water, spare clothes, any medication, toiletries, documents, any photos or other precious items as well as enough food for pets should they have one.
Though extreme and catastrophic days are rare, they can be devastating and they are judged according to how dry an area is, how much dry vegetation there is and the wind.
Places like Cobram, Strathmerton and Katamatite are almost surrounded by grass and paddocks in which the biggest fire risk comes arguably from grassfires which move more rapidly than other fires, up to 25km an hour.
With dry and hot weather, grass which is bone dry and brown can easily catch fire creating a large amount of radiant heat. Grassfires also create a lot of smoke which can obscure visibility.
Residents are also advised to prepare their properties to be bushfire ready.
Mowing lawns, clearing gutters, removing dry leaves from around the grass and gardens all help in preventing damage to property.
Door mats and other objects that can catch fire, including dog beds and outdoor furniture should be also be shifted.
Though staying and fighting a fire is a last resort and is an option that shouldn’t be taken lightly, the CFA recommends you have, as a minimum, 10,000 litres of water, a firefighting pump that is protected from radiant heat and not reliant on mains power supply, firefighting hoses that reach all the way around your home and personal protective clothing.
Those contemplating staying should think about their personal capacity (both physical, mental and emotional), the chance of the property surviving, the design of the property and its construction as well as the equipment and resources on-hand.
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