16 October 2019
Victoria’s emergency management sector has begun preparations for the summer season.
As part of summer preparations Victoria Police, emergency management agencies and residents of Powelltown, Three Bridges and Gilderoy are preparing to take part in a bushfire evacuation exercise on Saturday, 26 October.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp joined Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger today to announce plans for the exercise.
The multi-agency scenario exercise will include Victoria Police, CFA, SES, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Red Cross, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and other emergency management agencies.
Mr Crisp said the exercise was an opportunity for the emergency management sector to work together and assist residents to respond to a bushfire emergency scenario.
“This exercise is about testing preparedness of not only emergency services, but also the community and identifying opportunities for improvement,” Mr Crisp said.
“Just as the emergency management sector is practicing our plans and procedures, it’s also important that the community practice theirs.
“It’s so important to plan ahead – know what you will do and where you will go before a fire starts, and not when a fire is on your doorstep.”
Police and emergency services have been working with Powelltown residents in the lead up to the exercise and encourage them to participate regardless of whether their plan is to stay and defend, leave early or are unprepared.
The evacuation will be held on Saturday 26 October, which will be followed by a community meeting at the Powelltown Football Ground to discuss the learnings from the day.
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.