Code Red

School procedures for the bushfire season

Fire Danger Ratings and warnings are used in Victoria to provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life.

A small number of schools on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR), including our own, will closed on all Extreme Fire Danger Rating days.

Once we are advised of an Extreme Fire Danger Rating day, we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.

It is important to note that:

• No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Extreme Fire Danger Rating day.
• Outside School-Hours Care (OSHC) will also be cancelled on these days
• School camps may be cancelled if a forecast Extreme Fire Danger Rating day is made by Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located.

On these Extreme Fire Danger Rating days, families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan – on such days children should never be left at home alone or unsupervised or in the care of older children.

As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan. Maintenance works has been carried out to de-risk the school.

What can parents do?

• Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is closed.
• Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters.
• Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.

• If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan.

• You can access more information about children’s services closures on the Department of Education and Training website – see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx

For up-to-date information on this year’s fire season, visit the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.