Public Information for Code Red Days

Published on 03 March 2015

What is a Code Red Day?

Each day, the Bureau of Meteorology determines a fire danger rating for each weather district in Australia. The Loddon Shire Council is in the Northern Country weather district.

A fire danger rating of ‘Code Red’ is the highest level of rating in Victoria. It signifies the worst conditions for grass or bushfires. A Code Red fire danger rating means that if a fire were to start:

  • it could be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving
  • fire services will find it difficult to put out
  • there is a high likelihood that people in the path of a fire will be killed or seriously injured
  • many homes are likely to be destroyed -- even the best prepared homes may not be safe
  • leaving the night before a Code Red Day or early in the morning of a Code Red Day is the safest option for your survival

What should you do?

It is up to you to actively seek information, make decisions and act:

Every day during summer, check the fire danger rating for the weather district you are in and check to see if there are fires around you. Never rely on just one source of information.

Understand what the three different levels of warnings mean (Advice, Watch and Act, Emergency Warnings).  Don’t wait to receive an official warning. Bushfires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes.  Be ready to leave the night before a Code Red Day or early in the morning of a Code Red Day.  Don’t wait and see if a fire will flare up – it’s too late for you to travel once a fire has started nearby.  If you know of someone who might need help, for example, a person who is frail, elderly, or without transport, talk to them about how you can help them leave early.

If you get caught out during fire, last resort options include neighbourhood safer places (NSPs) located at:

BOORT - RECREATION RESERVE (OVAL ONLY)

PYRAMID HILL - MITCHELL PARK RECREATION RESERVE (OVAL ONLY)

SERPENTINE – RECREATION RESERVE (OVAL ONLY)

BRIDGEWATER – MEMORIAL HALL GROUNDS ONLY

INGLEWOOD – TOWN HALL AND BOWLING CLUB GROUNDS ONLY

WEDDERBURN – DONALDSON PARK – CENTRAL OVAL AREA ONLY

(There are no other NSPs in Loddon Shire)

Remember -- neighbourhood safer places are places of last resort when all other bushfire plans have failed. They may protect you and your family from direct flame and radiant heat, but they do not guarantee safety.  In addition, travelling during a fire can be dangerous due to smoke and fallen trees and you may not be able to reach your intended destination.

How can you find out if there are fires nearby?

To find out if there are fires nearby:

  • visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au
  • download the FireReady app
  • tune in to ABC local radio, commercial radio, designated emergency broadcasters or Sky News
  • call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
  • check out CFA’s Twitter and Facebook Accounts

Other considerations:

On days of total fire ban, (including Code Red days), Loddon Shire implements changes to its work practices to reduce the potential risk of fire ignition, as such some services and works may be impacted on these days.

Public facilities such as schools, daycare and kindergartens may be also closed and parents should check with the relevant provider to determine what impact may occur.

Roads may be closed due to smoke and fire. Check road closure information before travelling on total fire ban days by visiting traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or call 13 11 70.

Parks and forests will close on Code Red Days. Visit parksweb.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63 for park closure information.

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