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Tomorrow (Thursday 21 November 2019) has been declared a Code Red day for the Mallee and Northern Country – the first in many years. There is also a statewide Total Fire Ban, so our members and emergency management teams will be on high alert and prepared for the worst conditions.

CFA's CEO/Chief Officer reminds our people to consider their own personal welfare, ensure they have their own fire plans in place and minimise non-critical contact with our regional and district offices in the North West and North East. We recommend that you not travel in these areas unless absolutely essential, and wherever you are, stay hydrated.

Code Red is the highest level of rating in Victoria and it signifies the worst conditions for grassfires or bushfires.  Tomorrow’s conditions will be extremely difficult for firefighters and the community if we get fires running.

Be aware that homes are not built to withstand the types of fires we may see on a Code Red Day and you don’t want to be caught travelling through areas on fire. Seriously consider whether you need to be travelling tomorrow.

Conditions will be extremely hot and windy and you need to take care of yourself in the heat. For more information, FAQs and advice about Code Red days click here.

A Code Red Fire Danger Rating means that if a fire were to start:

·         it will 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

·         homes are not designed or constructed to withstand in these conditions - even the best prepared homes will not be safe

·         leaving high risk bushfire areas the night before a Code Red Day or early in the morning of a Code Red Day is the safest option for your survival – do not wait and see

A Code Red Day means that all public parks will be closed, some community services will be unavailable and some local council facilities will be closed. For further information check with your local council.

During extreme weather, such as a Code Red Day, localised power outages may happen. Make sure you have your emergency kit ready, including medication, battery-operated torches, radio and phones.

It’s important to have more than one way to access information and stay informed:

Bookmark www.emergency.vic.gov.au, download the VicEmergency app and set up your own Watchzone or tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV;

Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about preparedness on freecall 1800 226 226; People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677;

For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.

You can access current and updated CFA Total Fire Ban advice and ratings here: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/total-fire-bans-and-ratings