Terang encouraged to plan so new BPLR not needed

Terang residents are reminded that their town's new Bushfire Place of Last Resort should be just that: the last resort.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Ruth Gstrein reminded residents there was no substitute for preparing and following a good bushfire plan.

"Bushfire Places of Last Resort are a place to go when all else has failed and you can't leave for somewhere safer," Cr Gstrein said.

"Locations are chosen because they may provide some protection from direct flames but they don't guarantee safety from ember attack or radiant heat.

"There is also no guarantee that the CFA or other emergency services will be there and things like food, drink or medical assistance cannot be provided.

"They are not community fire refuges or relief centres and not a place of shelter from other types of emergencies, such as floods or storms."

The Terang Recreation Reserve oval has been designated as a BPLR after the community asked for one to be established following the St Patrick's Day fires in 2018.

Council identified the site and enlisted the CFA to assess it against criteria including radiant heat, access and exit, vegetation clearance, traffic management and other uses of the site.

Municipal Emergency Management Officer Angelo Botuyan said the key to keeping yourself and your family safe is to plan ahead.

"Get the Fire Ready Kit from your local CFA or www.cfa.com.au to help you prepare your household's bushfire plan," she advised.

Mr Botuyan encouraged all Shire residents to download the VicEmergency app and set it up so they get warnings for their location and surrounding area.

"As summer warms up it's wise to check the Fire Danger Rating for your area every day. We should all know the fire risk where we live, what to do on hot, dry, windy days, and what our trigger is to put fire plan into action.

"If the rating is Code Red, Extreme or Severe, it's best to leave early. You could be risking your life if you wait and see."

Residents can also check daily Fire Danger Ratings at emergency.vic.gov.au or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.