Summer has begun and it has been preceded by high rainfall and excellent vegetation growth.  As the temperatures have warmed up through November, the vegetation is now beginning to start drying out.

Participants need to be prepared for fire season. Now is the time to get your fire plans in order and avoid leaving things until the last minute.

Tips to help you prepare for the fire season:

• Prepare or review your fire plan, including evacuation options; if you choose to take your greyhounds with you, contact your local Municipal Council to find out which of their evacuation centres will allow dogs and add the address and details to your plan.

** Do NOT rely on your local greyhound club to open in the event of an emergency. They may not be allowed to open. You MUST use the local council evacuation centres.

• Remove doormats from around the house and kennel areas
• Move combustible outdoor furniture and other items from decks, up against, or under the home or your kennel area
• Move pot plants a few metres from the home or kennel area
• Double check that gas bottles are anchored securely with the relief valves pointing away from any flammable materials
• Mow your lawns or slash long grass in surrounding paddocks, yards, alongside slipping tracks etc
• On bigger properties, a clearing of about 10 metres of well-mown grass around your home and kennel block is advisable
• Walk around your home and remove piles of fine fuels such as leaves. It will probably be where embers will land
• Check your gutters to make sure leaves haven’t built up – check your home, kennels and other shedding
• Make sure you remove any fuels from around windows and doors. These are the most vulnerable parts of the home and kennel area
• Make sure trees on your property are healthy with no dead limbs and no vegetation underneath them
• Ensure your insurance is sufficient and current
• Prepare a greyhound evacuation kit, including, leads, muzzles, bedding, first aid kit, food and water bowls, 3 days of dry food and bottles of water. Make sure you include any medication your greyhound may need. Have your kit in a central location so it can be quickly loaded into your car
• If you have transport crates, ensure they are clean, in good working order and easy to access
• Practice your emergency evacuation plan at least once before the hot, dry weather arrives.

Additional resources:
Emergency planning
A comprehensive check list to help you prepare

The Department of Agriculture also has some excellent resources and advice on preparing your property and how to manage pets, horses and livestock during fires. Read more here