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Some General Information and Advice on Hazard Reductions

Hazard reduction is just one way of preparing for bush fires – it doesn't remove the threat of fire, and it doesn't remove the need for you and your family to be prepared.

There are different types of hazard reduction including controlled burning, mechanical clearing like slashing undergrowth, or even reducing the ground fuel by hand.

You can see a list of planned hazard reduction burns at the NSW Rural Fire Service website. This list may change at short notice depending on the weather at the time.

If there is a hazard reduction burn planned for your area, take the following steps:

• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
• Remove washing from clotheslines
• Ensure pets have a protected area
• Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
• Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.