Southern Grampians Shire Council is urging residents and visitors to the shire to prioritise becoming familiar with the locations of Bushfire Places of Last Resort (BPLR).
There are nine BPLRs across the shire's main towns, which are a last resort when all other household bushfire plans have failed.
CEO Tony Doyle said it was important to be aware of the difference between a BPLR and an evacuation centre.
"Also known as a 'Neighbourhood Safer Place', a BPLR is an extreme option when there are no other options available to residents," said Mr Doyle. "It does not provide the same level of protection as a well-constructed defendable home, private or neighbourhood bushfire shelter, or a community fire refuge.
"An evacuation centre provides affected people with the essentials including accommodation, food, and water during an emergency like bushfire. Evacuation centres are set up and operated by the relevant agencies during the emergency."
The BPLR locations in Southern Grampians Shire are as follows:
Balmoral
• Balmoral Community College (car parking adjacent to gym/tennis courts)
• Balmoral Mechanic Institute and Memorial Hall (grounds)
Branxholme
• Used Bowling Green (opposite Fire Station)
Cavendish
• Cavendish Town Square Memorial Park
Coleraine
• Coleraine Railway Reserve (open space)
Dunkeld
• Dunkeld Community Centre (Sterling Place)
Glenthompson
• Vacant land adjacent to Glenthompson War Memorial Swimming Pool
Hamilton
• Hamilton Showgrounds
Penshurst
• Grassed road reserve at the rear of Penshurst Senior Citizens Centre
To learn more about being Fire Ready this bushfire season and creating a Bushfire Plan, please visit the CFA website and read the Fire Ready Kit and the Bushfire Plan.
"The responsibility for surviving the fire season is shared between emergency services and the community. We each have a role in ensuring our community's safety. These resources can assist in helping all members of the community to be prepared in the event of a fire emergency," concluded Mr Doyle.
