FIRE ALERT AND PLANNING INFORMATION
BusVic recommend that the membership stay constantly informed of fire alerts/emergency information at all times.
BusVic has compiled the information below to enable the membership to maintain a self awareness that will help to ensure staff and passenger safety during periods of fire alert or high risk.
Warning Systems
Be aware that power supplies will quite often be at risk in fire affected areas, below are critical sources of information :
· Emergency Services websites – see below
· ABC Local and commercial radio (maintain a battery powered radio)
· Skynews
· Victorian Bushfire Information Line – 1800 240 677
Critical Web Addresses:
· www.cfa.vic.gov.au – To monitor fire activity during an actual incident and assistance with emergency planning.
·http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/nrenfoe.nsf/childdocs/-DC25C965BDA0CAF5CA2573B400013504 - To monitor fire activity during an actual incident.
·www.bom.gov.au/weather/warnings.shtml - To monitor extreme weather warnings prior to an incident .
· http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1process_content.cfm?main=9&page=2 - To monitor national park closures and changed conditions prior to an event.
-http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/bushfires/default.htm - To monitor school closures and at risk regsiter.
Planning prior to an alert:
Charter and Tour Operators should consider operational policy relating to:
1) Booking policy and informing clients of fire alert potential for particular tours.
2) Cancellation policy
3) Alternative tours and routes for particular tours when alerted to a severe, extreme or code red (catastrophic) Fire Danger Rating. Click here for Fire Danger Rating Chart.
4) Duty of care to staff and passengers
5) Staff training
Strong and comprehensive communication is the key to a successful operational policy.